The recognition joins a long list of notable nominees who have made a significant impact this year, including US President Donald Trump, entrepreneur Elon Musk, and podcast host Joe Rogan. Each year, Time Magazine honors individuals, groups, or concepts that have had a major impact on the world, whether positive or controversial. Princess Catherine's selection highlights her perseverance in a challenging year filled with personal and public struggles.

At the start of 2024, she endured a number of personal challenges, prompting discussions about privacy and the public good for public figures. The Time article focused on the intense media scrutiny surrounding her health journey. In January, after two weeks in hospital, Kensington Palace announced that she would be staying away from the public until Easter. As speculation about her absence grew, she publicly shared her struggles in March, finally completing the process in September and emerging with renewed strength.

Her courageous decision to reveal her health struggles has prompted important conversations about resilience and hope. By sharing her journey, she has embraced vulnerability, demonstrating that true courage means moving forward despite fear. This is not the first time she has been recognized by Time, having previously been named to the 2013 Time 100 list and was runner-up for Person of the Year in 2011.

This year’s full list of nominees includes figures from a wide range of fields, including Julia Naala, Claudia Shin Bomb, Jerome Powell, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump. The winner will be announced on December 12. Regardless of the outcome, Princess Catherine’s story remains a powerful testament to the power and inspiration of the human condition.

Time has a history of honoring individuals who shape history, with past recipients including Taylor Swift, Barack Obama, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ebola fighters. Princess Catherine’s recognition was an emotional moment for her and her fans around the world. Her courage, dignity and resilience elevated her to greater heights than a royal figure, making her a modern symbol of hope and strength.