On September 8, William and Kate, the beloved Prince and Princess of Wales, are set to lead the nation in paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her passing. It's a moment steeped in reflection and remembrance, as they honor the matriarch who shaped their lives and the monarchy forever.

A Time of Transition for the Royal Family

For the core members of the royal family, the past year has been nothing short of transformative. “They’ve been through so much,” an insider close to the family confides. The loss of Queen Elizabeth was deeply felt, but it wasn’t the only heartbreak. Her husband, Prince Philip, the family patriarch, passed away in 2021, leaving a void that no one could easily fill. And if that wasn’t enough, the release of Prince Harry’s tell-all memoir, Spare, brought the family under intense scrutiny. “The media storm was relentless,” the insider admits. “But despite the distance between Harry and Meghan in the U.S. and the rest of the family, the bond remains unshaken. Time heals all wounds, and hopefully, they’ll all find their way back to each other.”

King Charles: Embracing His New Role

For King Charles, the past year has been a whirlwind of change and adaptation. As the reigning monarch of Britain, he’s met with religious leaders from every corner of the nation, meticulously planned several overseas state visits, and even streamlined the number of working royals. “He’s determined to keep the monarchy relevant in a rapidly changing world,” the insider reveals. “Charles is all about modernizing traditions while staying true to their essence.”

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King Charles has been genuinely touched by the outpouring of respect and loyalty from his subjects. “He was genuinely surprised by the depth of respect and loyalty he’s received—not just from the long-time staffers who’ve been with him for years but also from the British public at large,” shares the insider. “It’s a testament to his character and leadership.”

Princess Kate and Prince William clap their hands with kids George, Charlotte and Louis — Comic Relief/BBC Children in Need/Comic Relief via Getty Images

William and Kate: Stepping Up to the Plate

Prince William and Princess Kate have truly come into their own within the monarchy, proving Queen Elizabeth’s faith in them was well-placed. “Elizabeth instilled in William the importance of resilience and perseverance,” the insider reflects. “And Kate has embraced this mindset just as strongly.” Despite the immense pressure of their roles, they manage to keep their composure. “If they ever feel the weight of their responsibilities, it doesn’t show,” the insider notes. “In fact, they often find that raising their three children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—is far more challenging than their royal duties!”

Harry and Meghan: Finding Their Own Path

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, along with their children, Archie, 4, and Lilibet, 2, have been living in California since before Queen Elizabeth’s passing. For Harry, her death marked a pivotal moment. “Harry felt that her passing gave him the freedom to move forward with his life,” the insider reveals. “While he misses her deeply, he harbors no regrets about the path he chose.”

Even though they’ve stepped back from their royal duties, Harry and Meghan remain committed to making a positive impact. Both are expected to attend the Invictus Games, the prestigious international competition for injured, sick, or wounded former service members, scheduled for late September. “They’re still finding ways to give back,” the insider explains.

Despite the limited contact between Harry and his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, the insider insists that reconciliation remains a possibility. “William is hopeful that he and Harry will eventually mend their relationship. At the end of the day, they’re brothers, and that bond is unbreakable.”

Honoring the Queen’s Legacy

In their own unique ways, each member of the royal family is striving to honor the memory of Queen Elizabeth through their actions. “They all understand the difference between right and wrong,” the insider concludes. “They’re carrying on her legacy by simply doing the right thing, every single day.”