This week saw a switch-up on The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Instagram and Twitter accounts. Previously known as Kensington Palace, their feeds' names have now been changed to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It may seem small, but the move seems in line with their continuing efforts to alter how they use social media as a personal bridge between their family and their future subjects. Want more proof? Watch William and Kate host a night of virtual bingo.
This new approach is all thanks to David Watkins, who has been hired by the couple to manage their social accounts after his impressive work for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
27 years old, David became Harry and Meghan's digital communications lead in July 2019, helping the pair gain 11.3 million followers. But when the couple decided to step back from their roles as senior royals, David was snapped up by the other half of the Fab Four.
His influence has already been felt. In recent months, William and Kate's social media presence has felt warmer and more relatable.
‘They aren’t firm friends, but Kate learned something very important from Meghan,’ says a source. ‘Meghan has shown the power of social media, of talking about positive actions and communicating with the public, and Kate was paying attention.’ This, however, required conversations with William. ‘He is more traditional and set in the old royal ways,’ the source says. ‘They have discussed their comfort levels, the line between sharing and oversharing, and found a happy, healthy compromise. It's changing the way they've lived their lives - both as royals and partners - but it's already paying off. It seems a long time since they've looked so relaxed with each other.'
This was best displayed on recent milestones: Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte’s birthdays. While Kate has always shared photographs of the children on such occasions, the recent images - Louis covered in paint, Charlotte helping locals in need - are warmer and more everyday. ‘For Kate to authorise their social media coordinator to post things like Louis’ ‘Instagram versus Reality’ photos show off her fun side’, royal author Katie Nicholl says. ‘We’re seeing, in recent months, Kate lose some of the stiffness. She’s relaxing and showing more of the real Kate.’ William, an insider says, is ‘pleased and proud’ that she has found such strength, and is doing so much in such circumstances. ‘The family could have shied away in the security of their estate, but he and Kate knew that the country needed them. He is thrilled with the reaction and thinks Kate is doing tremendously.’
Harry and Meghan, meanwhile, have dialled down their approach to social media and retired their Sussex Royal account. In their last post, they said goodbye to their followers and promised to be active in other ways. 'As we all find the part we are to play in this global shift and changing of habits, we are focusing this new chapter to understand how we can best contribute', they wrote. 'While you may not see us here, the work continues. Thank you to this community - for the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world.'
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