Prince William, Princess Catherine preparing for throne ‘sooner than expected’

Despite staying largely out of the public eye this year, Princess Catherine and Prince William have quietly begun preparing for the biggest roles of their lives – King and Queen.

Prince William and Princess Catherine have reportedly kickstarted preparations for the biggest roles of their lives: becoming King and Queen.

The royal couple has faced a challenging year after the princess was diagnosed with cancer following a planned abdominal surgery in January.

Princess Catherine subsequently spent much of the year out of the public eye as she underwent treatment, prompting her husband to reduce his workload and spend more time at home.

The spotlight could soon get even brighter on Prince William and Princess Catherine. Picture: Getty Images

After Princess Catherine revealed that she was cancer free, the royal duo have made a gradual return to public duties.

Now, the pair have begun gearing up for Prince 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,” Ms Bedell Smith told People magazine.

“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.”

King Charles’ illness has fast-tracked plans for Prince William’s ascension to the throne. Picture: Getty Images

King Charles, for his part, was also forced to slow down his jam-packed schedule after his cancer diagnosis.

This, in turn, has allowed his eldest son to represent the Royal Family at various events, including his most recent appearance at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which Prince William attended in place of his father.

“There’s a sense of calm before the storm,” Ms 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.”

Prince George will follow on from Prince William to the throne. Picture: AFP

Britain’s Royal Family has faced significant challenges in recent years. Picture: Getty Images

Last month, Buckingham 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 King Charles’ health struggles.

“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 prioritise family time.”

As a result, sources last month claimed that the dynamics between Prince William and his cancer-stricken father have “shifted” following the apparent “power struggle”.

QUEEN CAMILLA ATTENDS LUNCH AFTER ILLNESS

Queen Camilla looked full of Christmas spirit as she attended a ‘Festive Spread’ lunch at The Amadeus in London. The 77-year-old royal, dressed in a cream shirt and a stylish green jacket by Anna Valentine, warning the Christmas dinner guests to “hold onto their hair” as she assisted with preparing a massive 10kg figgy pudding.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive to listen as The Military Wives Choirs. Picture: Getty Images

King Charles and Queen Camilla with members of the The Military Wives Choirs at Buckingham Palace where they will be performing their latest single 'November Sunday'. Picture: AFP

Her Majesty admitted she was feeling a little “nervous” as she poured an entire jug of brandy over the dessert, watching it ignite in flames during the Royal Voluntary Service event.

The Queen delivered a short speech of her own without notes, saying: “Thank you all for all you do for the community. As I always say, this country would collapse without you. I am eternally grateful for everything you do.”

The Military Wives Choirs, conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton, perform their latest single. Picture: Getty Images

Later on, Camilla joined King Charles as they were treated to a performance by the Military Wives Choirs charity at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen has been battling pneumonia after developing a chest infection last month.

Originally published as Prince William, Princess Catherine preparing for throne ‘sooner than expected’