King Charles holds private meeting with Kate Middleton as palace begins ascension plans: report
Princess Catherine has been working closely with King Charles as she prepares to take on the role of a lifetime, according to a source.
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King Charles held a private meeting with his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, after the palace kickstarted plans for Prince William’s ascension to the throne, according to a new report.
The monarch, 76, was faced with a fresh perspective after enduring a difficult year following his cancer diagnosis in February.
News of the King’s health woes were closely followed by Princess Catherine’s own cancer diagnosis, which she revealed to the world in March.
As a result, the royal duo are said to have grown closer during their respective health battles. “She and Charles had a private meeting about her stepping up sooner than expected,” a source told Radar Online.
As you’d imagine, the relationship between the two of them is incredibly close. They’ve been a huge source of comfort to each other through their side-by-side battles against cancer.”
“It’s also why Charles has taken great pains to give her plenty of space to recover for the inevitable moment that he and Camilla pass on the baton,” the insider added.
The insider added that palace officials are prioritising to “ensure Kate and William have as smooth a transition to power as possible.”
The report follows hot on the heels of rumours that the Prince and Princess of Wales have begun gearing up for William’s ascension to the throne.
“Although the king is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith previously 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.”
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 elder son to represent the Firm at various events, including his 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.
It comes as Princess Catherine emphasised the “importance of empathy” in a message of hope at her star-studded Christmas carol service.
The Princess of Wales called for people to “slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all” and turn to “love, not fear” as she opened the televised service.
The fourth annual Together at Christmas concert was filmed at Westminster Abbey earlier this month, with husband Prince William and children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis in attendance.
It featured performances by Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, singer-songwriter JP Cooper, alongside the Soul Sanctuary Choir, and new singing talent Olivia Dean.
Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed he has terminal prostate cancer in recent weeks, lit a candle, as did wife of late rugby league star Rob Burrow, who died in June following a battle with motor neurone disease.
Readings were also given by actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, and Sophie Okonedo, as well as Olympic swimming gold medallist Adam Peaty.
Meanwhile, earlier today Kate gave a sweet message after sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the concert. In a video she could be seen beaming as she greeted children in an unseen montage.
A post from the Waleses’ Instagram today said: “This service reflects upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.
“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this year’s celebrations.”
It comes after Kate began easing back into public duties after announcing she was cancer-free in September.
Her heartfelt message was included in a letter handed out to every guest during the concert on December 6, before being shared as a video clip ahead of the Christmas Eve broadcast.
It played as a voice over at the beginning of ITV’s coverage this evening.
Kate said: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it’s also a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.
“It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness, so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about.
“The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other despite our differences. Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear.”
Kate continued: “The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others.
“Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope.
“It is love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives.”
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