Prince William and Kate Middleton; King Charles.Photo:Getty (2)
Getty (2)
Prince Williamwill be there for the crown amid his fatherKing Charles’cancer treatment, even as he balances responsibilities at home during his wifeKate Middleton’s continued recovery fromabdominal surgery.
A royal sourcetells PEOPLEexclusively in this week’s issue that the Prince of Wales, 41, is inregular contactwith his father amid the news of the King’s cancer diagnosis. As King Charles, 75, steps back from public engagements and Princess Kate continues hermonths-long recuperation, it’s up to Prince William (along withQueen Camilla) to be the face of the monarchy.
“It is hard with Kate being ill as well, but he will step up,” says a source close to the royal household.
“He wouldn’t want to put that pressure on William,” says the source. “He has always wanted to save his children from having that pressure too early and that will remain. Particularly as William has other priorities [with Kate].”
Prince William travels back to Buckingham Palace following the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023.ADRIAN DENNIS/getty
ADRIAN DENNIS/getty
It has been a particularly difficult start to the new year for the royal family. On Jan. 16, the Princess of Wales, 42, underwent a 13-day hospitalization for abdominal surgery — prompting Prince William’stemporary withdrawalfrom public duty to care for Kate and the couple’s three children,Prince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5. Kensington Palace said on Jan. 17 that Princess Kate is “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter” based on the current medical advice, and a close family friend said that Prince William is “really hands-on” at home.
The potential for increased responsibilities for Prince William as King Charles’ heir highlighted the royal family’s thinned ranks sincePrince HarryandMeghan Marklestepped back from their working royal roles in 2020 andPrince Andrewwas forced to stop public duties due to his controversial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
“William will do his best, but the King will want to carry on with his duties as best he can,” says the source close to the royal household.
King Charles will continue to receive his “red boxes,” the monarch’s daily delivery of official files, and process state documents during his treatment. It is also expected that the King will keep his weekly audience with Prime MinisterRishi Sunak, with appropriate adjustments made if his doctors advise minimizing in-person contact.
Prince William and King Charles during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 12, 2023 in London.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
“Yes, he’s going to step back from public duties for a considerable time, but there will be plenty of work for him — it just won’t necessarily be in a room with hundreds of people,” says royal biographer Robert Hardman, author ofThe Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy.
Adds the palace insider: “He will want to get on with the job. But that will depend on what treatment he is having. It may be utterly draining on him. He will need a lot of support.”
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PEOPLE magazine, Feb. 19.
The Prince of Walesreturned to public workon Wednesday after spending several weeks out of the public eye following his wife’s surgery.
Prince Williamconducted an investiture ceremonyon the King’s behalf at Windsor Castle, and he is expected and attend the annual fundraising gala for London’s Air Ambulance Charity in the evening.
source: people.com
