Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton are reportedly looking ahead for the most important roles of their lives by becoming the king and queen of the United Kingdom.
Kate Middleton recently hosted the fourth annual “Together at Christmas service“, marking a milestone after a challenging year for the Prince and Princess of Wales. The service at Westminster Abbey held particular significance this year, as it marked Kate’s most prominent public appearance following her chemotherapy completion in September.
The December 6 Christmas service, attended by her husband, Prince William and their three children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 was her fourth since initiating the tradition in 2020, The New York Post reported.
The Princess of Wales had largely remained out of public view during her treatment period, which led Prince William to scale back his official engagements to support his family.
King Charles’s cancer diagnosis also necessitated a reduction in his official commitments. This situation enabled the Prince of Wales to step in as the royal family‘s representative at various functions, including his appearance at the Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening ceremony in Paris.
After the 42-year-old’s announcement of being cancer-free, both William and Kate have steadily resumed their public duties.
According to the royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, they are now focusing on preparations for William’s future role. “Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment. 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,” Sally Bedell Smith told People.
“There’s a sense of calm before the storm,” Bedell Smith added.
Smith further continued that, “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.”
Earlier last month, the palace insiders source told the outlet that royal staff began drafting succession plans following King Charles’ coronation in May 2023. These plans were reportedly expedited earlier this year amid concerns over the King’s health.
“It is something the institution is always mindful of. It is an institutional preparedness,” the People reported quoting sources.
“Their circumstances will eventually change. Given what the future holds, it would be very sensible to build back slowly and prioritize family time,” they added.