Kate Middleton preparing for Queen role ‘sooner than expected’ as Charles accepts ‘limitations’ amid cancer treatment

PRINCESS Kate has had a challenging year but is looking ahead to the 2025 and her future role as Queen.

The Princess of Wales, 42, - who closed the year with her Together at Christmas carol concert - is preparing for her regal role “sooner than expected”, claims a royal author.

This comes as King Charles is still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

The Princess of Wales announced in March she was undergoing chemotherapy, and shared in September how she had completed it and was now “cancer-free.”

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People: “Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment. 

“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.”

An insider added: “There’s a sense of calm before the storm. 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.”

Kate’s carol concert on December 6, alongside Prince William, 42, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, was her biggest hosting duties since her treatment ended.

Attendee Jenny Powell, a community worker from Abergavenny, Wales, said: “I know how hard it would be to do something like this, putting yourself out there when you may not be feeling 100 per cent.”

As part of the festivities, Kate looked composed as the family walked down the aisle in front of 1,600 guests.

Paloma Faith, who performed at the carol concert, asked Kate how she was doing, who replied: “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had.”

Following the Queen’s death in September 2022, Kate and William have undertaken the roles of the Prince and Princess of Wales and been preparing for their future as King and Queen.

A clear example of this was Prince William’s appearance at the unveiling of the £1billion restoration of Notre Dame, where he met with world leaders, including US President-elect Donald Trump.

The pair exchanged a warm handshake as Donald patted William on the shoulder in a chat before the service.

They later had a meeting at the UK ambassador’s residence. 

Viral footage of their exchange - Trump patting William on the shoulder and calling him a “good man” doing a “fantastic job” - also included a rare touch of levity as the President-elect complimented the Prince on looking particularly “handsome.”

Royal commentator Lee Cohen wrote: “The remark - perhaps referencing William’s much-discussed new beard? - was of course light-hearted, but also hints at the subtle ‘relaunch’ of the Prince of Wales.

“His updated look, combined with increasingly confident diplomatic skills, signals a readiness to take on a more prominent role on the world stage.”

He added of the Princess of Wales: “Kate, in particular, will be a vital force in this new chapter of the monarchy, having garnered widespread admiration balancing her health after a battle with cancer with a return to public duties.

“The Princess of Wales' resilience and grace alone have already enhanced the monarchy’s appeal, both at home and abroad.

“As a team, she and her husband symbolise a modernised vision of royalty - relatable, impactful, and firmly rooted in service.”