Kate Middleton must not become the new Diana

In the inimitable words of The Smiths (or, indeed, Carry On Cleo, where they borrowed it from), stop me if you think you’ve heard this one before. For her first official solo engagement outside London since her cancer treatment, the Princess of Wales was photographed visiting the Ty Hafan children’s hospice in South Wales. She has become a patron of the hospice, and to this end interacted with the no doubt awestruck children with the ease and grace that have become a hallmark of all her public appearances since she married into the royal family.

At a time of great difficulty for the Firm – it was revealed recently that Prince Andrew had continued to stay in contact with the disgraced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein for months after he claimed he’d ceased to be in touch with him – Catherine remains their greatest reputational asset. The King, Queen and Princess Anne offer reliable dignity, and Prince William, when on form, can be relied upon for matey gravitas.