Prince William and Kate Middleton 'facing pressure' as King Charles 'leaning on them' amid cancer
The king is balancing duties with his health
Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly stepping up in a big way as King Charles continues his treatment for cancer, according to royal insiders, and the increased responsibility is being felt behind the scenes.
According to a palace source speaking to The Examiner, the king is leaning more heavily on the Prince and Princess of Wales as he focuses on managing his health while still maintaining his royal duties.
Prince William and Kate Middleton under ‘pressure’ from King Charles
“Charles is leaning on them a lot more. It’s very clear he’s seeing them as the future of the monarchy,” the insider shared. “Which is exciting, but also puts a ton of pressure on them both because they don’t want to let him down.”
Charles is leaning on them a lot more. It’s very clear he’s seeing them as the future of the monarchy.
Prince William remains first in line to the throne and has taken on a more central role in royal affairs in recent months.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate is said to be gradually returning to public life after revealing her own cancer diagnosis last year.
Behind palace walls, the pair are navigating a period of major transition, including the departure of Kate’s longtime personal assistant and trusted aide, Natasha Archer.
Natasha began working for the Royal Household in 2010. She rose through the ranks to become Kate’s senior private executive assistant and unofficial stylist.
Her departure was confirmed in early July. The palace wished her well as she prepared to launch a new consultancy venture.
‘They are being called on to step up’
Although King Charles continues to be publicly active, insiders say he is being more selective about his engagements and increasingly relies on William and Kate to take the lead.
“He still does plenty himself. It’s not as though he’s on bed rest. But he simply can’t do everything he used to,” one source noted. “So they are being called on to step up in a big way.”
The royal pair are also reportedly more involved in high-level planning about the future of the monarchy than ever before.
William is believed to have ideas about modernising the monarchy. However, insiders say he is also mindful of aligning with his father’s long-term vision.
Princess Kate announced her remission earlier this year. She is said to be taking a measured approach as she returns to royal duties, prioritising both her health and family life.
Despite the challenges, William and Kate are said to be supportive of Natasha’s decision and are preparing to bring in and train new staff.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for the palace for comment.
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