Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing to take up the biggest roles in their lives – king and queen, the New York Post reported.
The couple have undergone a difficult year after Middleton was diagnosed with cancer following a planned abdominal surgery in January. The Princess of Wales spent much of the time undergoing treatment and spending her way to recovery. William, too, spent more time at home and reduced his workload.
As she announced her recovery from cancer, the couple made a return to public-facing duties.
The pair has now started gearing up for William’s ascension, the New York Post reported citing 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,” Smith was quoted as saying.
“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, following his cancer diagnosis, had to significantly scale back his busy schedule. This shift created opportunities for his elder son to represent the Firm at various high-profile events, including William’s recent solo appearance at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
“William and Kate are preparing for the monumental roles that lie ahead. While Kate’s health has understandably become a top priority, it has also given the family a chance to pause and reflect on what truly matters,” Smith said.
Reports from last month suggest that royal staff began drafting succession plans shortly after the king’s coronation in May 2023.
Queen Elizabeth wore the crown at bath time to practice: King Charles
King Charles recently shared a touching memory of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth. The monarch recalled how she used to wear the coronation crown while bathing him and his sister, Princess Anne. King Charles shared his thoughts during a meeting with a group of Canadian women, who were invited to witness Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. Last year, 12 of these women were invited to Buckingham Palace, where they got the opportunity to meet King Charles. In a new documentary, Coronation Girls, it highlights their unique experience. King Charles, who was just 4 at that time, said he remembered the historic event and his mother’s preparation for the big day.
As per the Independent, King Charles said, “My grandmother explained things to me while I was there. I can remember quite a lot, particularly what I was dressed in and what the barber did to me before. I remember it all so well then, because I remember my sister and I had bath time in the evening. My mama used to come up at bath time wearing the crown to practise. You have to get used to how heavy [the crown] is. I’ve never forgotten, I can still remember it vividly.”
“It is very important to wear it for a certain amount of time, because you get used to it then. But the big one that you’re crowned with, the St Edward’s Crown, it weighs 5lbs. It is much heavier and taller, so there’s always that feeling of feeling slightly anxious, in case it wobbles. You have to carry it, you have to look straight ahead,” King Charles was quoted as saying.
(With inputs from agencies)
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
