Prince William and Kate Middleton have reportedly kick-started preparations for the biggest roles of their lives: becoming king and queen.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have faced a difficult year after Middleton, 42, was diagnosed with cancer following a planned abdominal surgery in January.
The princess subsequently spent much of the year behind closed doors as she underwent treatment, prompting William to reduce his workload and spend more time at home.
After the mom of three announced that she’s cancer free, the duo have made a gradual return to public-facing duties.
Now, the pair have begun gearing up for William’s ascension, according to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith.
“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 reached out to both Kensington and Buckingham Palace for comments.
Charles, for his part, was also forced to slam the brakes on his jam-packed schedule after his cancer diagnosis.
This, in turn, has allowed his eldest son to represent the Firm at various events, including his most recent appearance at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which William attended sans Charles.
“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 claimed that royal staffers began drawing up succession plans after the king’s coronation in May 2023.
The plans were reportedly fast-tracked earlier this year following Charles’ health woes.
“It is something the institution is always mindful of,” a source told the outlet of the palace’s succession plans. “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.”
As a result, sources last month claimed that the dynamics between William and his cancer-stricken father have “shifted” following the apparent “power struggle.”
