King Charles III recently held a private meeting with his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, amid reports that Buckingham Palace has ramped up preparations for Prince William’s ascension to the throne.
The discussions come after a challenging year for the monarch, who has faced personal health struggles alongside his royal duties.
At 76, King Charles has reportedly been battling cancer since February, a diagnosis that coincided with Middleton revealing her cancer journey in March. These parallel challenges have brought the two closer, according to royal insiders.
“She and Charles had a private meeting about her stepping up sooner than expected,” a palace source told Radar Online. “Their relationship has become incredibly close, and they’ve been a huge source of comfort to each other through their battles with cancer.”
The private meeting also highlighted the palace’s intent to ensure a smooth transition of power when the time comes. Insiders suggest that King Charles has taken extra care to give Kate the space and support she needs as she recovers while also preparing her for a more prominent role in the monarchy.
“Charles has deliberated in prioritising Kate’s recovery, knowing that she and William will soon take centre stage,” the insider added.
Reports of accelerated succession planning have gained traction as the monarch continues to scale back his duties due to the demands of cancer treatment.
According to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, the King has had to reduce his packed schedule, allowing Prince William to assume more responsibilities on behalf of the royal family.
“Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his treatment,” Smith told People. “William has stepped up significantly, and he and Kate are preparing for their future roles sooner than expected.”
Prince William’s increasing visibility was evident during his solo representation of the monarchy at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The move marked a notable shift as he took on a role traditionally reserved for the reigning monarch.
“There’s a sense of calm before the storm,” Smith added. “William and Kate are next in line for the biggest jobs of their lives. While Kate’s health has been a priority, this time has also allowed the family to reassess their goals and focus on what matters most.”
The latest developments follow reports that palace staff began drafting detailed succession plans shortly after King Charles’ coronation in May 2023. With William and Kate increasingly stepping into the spotlight, the royal family appears committed to ensuring a seamless transition of power when the time comes.
Both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have yet to comment on these developments.
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