Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly beginning preparations for the most significant roles of their lives: becoming king and queen.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have navigated a challenging year after Middleton, 42, was diagnosed with cancer following a scheduled abdominal surgery in January.
The princess spent much of the year out of the public eye as she underwent treatment, prompting William to scale back his royal duties to spend more time at home with her.
After Middleton recently announced that she is now cancer-free, the couple has slowly returned to their public responsibilities.
Now, according to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, the pair have started gearing up for William’s eventual ascension to the throne.
“Although the king is fulfilling his duties with his usual resolve, he’s had to accept some limitations during his cancer treatment,” Bedell Smith told *People* magazine.
“As a result, William has taken on additional responsibilities, and both he and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they might have anticipated.”
Both Kensington and Buckingham Palaces have been approached for comment by *The Post.*
King Charles, too, has had to slow down his typically packed schedule due to his cancer diagnosis, allowing his eldest son to step in and represent the monarchy at various events. One notable example was William’s recent attendance at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where he appeared without his father.
“There’s a feeling of calm before the storm,” Bedell Smith remarked. “They’re on the brink of stepping into the most demanding roles of their lives. Kate’s health has been the priority, of course, but this time has also given everyone a chance to pause and reassess what truly matters.”
Last month, insiders revealed that royal staff began drafting detailed succession plans after King Charles’ coronation in May 2023. These plans reportedly gained urgency earlier this year due to concerns over the king’s health.
“This is something the institution is always aware of,” a palace source explained regarding the succession planning. “It’s about being prepared as an organization.”
“They know their circumstances will change eventually. Given what the future holds, it makes sense to ease back into royal duties gradually and focus on family priorities.”
In light of these developments, sources suggested last month that the dynamic between William and his ailing father has “shifted” following what was described as a previous “power struggle.”