As King Charles, at 76 and battling cancer, faces an uncertain future, there is an increasing sense that Prince William and Kate Middleton's ascension to the throne may come "sooner than they would have expected." In a new story in People, several royal experts opened up about how the Waleses are preparing for their eventual roles.
The King—who announced he was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in February—has been keeping calm and carrying on, but royal author Sally Bedell Smith told the magazine that the monarch can't do it all.
“Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment," she said. "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 Prince of Wales heading to Paris for Notre Dame's reopening ceremony as the U.K.'s representative—instead of his father—is a prime example of William taking on larger roles. Many saw William meeting with president elect Donald Trump as a sign of the royals passing on the baton, so to speak.
When it comes to the Prince and Princess of Wales, an inside source told People, “There’s a sense of calm before the storm. 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.”
The prince and princess took on a major role in the state visit honoring the Amir of Qatar and his wife, Sheika Jawaher.
Like The King, The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and making sure she has time to recover and focus on Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis has been key this year. An insider told People that William's eventual ascension to the throne "is something the institution is always mindful of."
However, the source noted that “given what the future holds, it would be very sensible to build back slowly and prioritize family time," since eventually, their duties will make it harder to have private time with their three kids.
In her September cancer update video, the Princess of Wales explained that she would take on duties when she felt up to it, stressing that her "path to healing and full recovery is long." Queen Elizabeth's former press secretary Alisa Anderson told People that arranging occasional surprise visits is a strategy that has worked well, since "an unexpected visit gives her flexibility."
“They can’t raise people’s expectations with lots of engagements only for her to face a setback, not feel well, and things are canceled,” Anderson added. As for The King, no one knows for sure how his health will play out, but for the moment, William and Kate are enjoying the quieter time they have been afforded.
-
This $4,900 Bag Is the Hero of Hailey Bieber's Mom StyleA case for the oversized staple.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
-
We Can't Promise You Won't Get Nightmares After Watching These 32 Great But Terrifying Paranormal MoviesBring on the jump scares.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Princess Kate Has Been Honored With Birthday Charity Earrings That Support a Cause Close to Her HeartProceeds from the $34 style will benefit a charity the Princess of Wales has paid tribute to in the past.
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules AttachedThe present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday PhotoThe Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
-
Despite 2025 Being "the Year of Reset," Princess Kate Will Likely Do This Before Going Back to Regular DutiesRoyal biographer Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire' that fans shouldn't expect Kate to go "back to 2023 levels" of appearances.
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
-
Kate Middleton Won't Let the "Looming Responsibility" of Becoming Queen "Take Her Away" From Her ChildrenThe Princess of Wales is putting her kids before the monarchy.
-
Is Kamala Harris a Secret Kate Middleton Fashion Stan?No one is immune from channeling the princess's style these days.
