Prince William and Kate Middleton are being entrusted by King Charles III with more responsibility than ever as he continues to focus on his health.
“Charles is leaning on them a lot more, it’s very clear he’s seeing them as the future of the monarchy, which is exciting but also puts a ton of pressure on them both because they don’t want to let him down,” an insider exclusively tells the Examiner.
With Charles, 76, undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, William, 43, remains first in the line of succession and is preparing to step into his role one day.
Kate, for her part, is now in remission following her own cancer battle and is currently navigating another transition — the departure of her longtime personal assistant, Natasha Archer, who notably became the royal’s unofficial stylist.
Archer was confirmed to be leaving Kensington Palace in early July with plans of setting up her own private consultancy years after securing her job in 2010 — the year Kate and William, both 43, got engaged. She was later promoted to senior private executive assistant in 2022.
James Whatling / MEGA
According to People, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ household has wished Archer, 37, the very best as she embarks on an exciting professional journey.
While the Waleses adjust to a new normal, Charles is also doing his best to maintain his royal duties amid his health battle.
“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 so they are being called on to step up in a big way,” the insider tells the Examiner.
“The workload and responsibilities are ramped way up, they’re now involved in all the big picture discussions,” says the insider of William and Kate. “William has his ideas for how he’s going to modernize things but he’s also got to be careful that it’s in line with his father’s vision, which does make it a little more challenging.”
After completing her cancer treatment, the insider explains, “Kate is easing back in and taking breaks when she needs to but there’s no getting away from the fact that the days are very long and now that they’re most trusted personal assistant is leaving it’s added a huge weight.”
“They are being supportive of [Archer’s] decision, there’s no animosity, but it does mean they’re losing their right hand person and will have to hire someone new and train them.”