Prince William and Kate Middleton have reportedly begun preparations for their future roles as king and queen. The Prince and Princess of Wales have had a challenging year, particularly after Middleton, 42, was diagnosed with cancer following abdominal surgery in January. The princess spent much of the year recovering and undergoing treatment, prompting William to reduce his workload and focus on supporting his family.
After Middleton announced she was cancer-free, the couple has gradually returned to public duties. According to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, the pair has started preparing for William’s eventual ascension to the throne. “Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment,” Bedell Smith told People. “As a result, William has been taking on more responsibilities, and he and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they would have expected.”
The Post has contacted both Kensington and Buckingham Palace for comments. King Charles, who was also diagnosed with cancer, has had to scale back his busy schedule, allowing William to represent the royal family at various events, including the recent reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
“There’s a sense of calm before the storm,” Bedell Smith said. “They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives, and of course, Kate’s health has taken priority, but it’s also allowed everyone to take a step back and figure out what’s important right now.”
Last month, palace insiders revealed that royal staffers had started drawing up succession plans following the king’s coronation in May 2023. The plans were reportedly accelerated earlier this year due to Charles’ health issues. “It is something the institution is always mindful of,” a source told the outlet. “It is an institutional preparedness.”
“Their circumstances will eventually change. Given what the future holds, it would be very sensible to build back slowly and prioritize family time.” Sources also claimed that the dynamics between William and his father have shifted following the apparent “power struggle.”
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