How Prince William and Kate Middleton Will Rule the Monarchy: King Charles Gave ‘Best Advice to His Son’

Wearing a three-strand pearl-and-diamond necklace that had been a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II’s, Princess Kate Middleton stood by Prince William and welcomed the Emir of the State of Qatar and his wife to London for a state visit. Afterward, they joined the Horse Guards Parade and were greeted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

​​As Charles, 76, continues his royal duties amid his battle with cancer, Kate and William, both 42, have stepped up their preparations to take over for him when necessary. “Charles is stubborn, and he has waited a lifetime for this role,” explains an insider, “but some believe that William and Kate will be taking over the throne in 2025 or early 2026.”

That’s much sooner than the couple had wished for. After all, Elizabeth reigned for more than 70 years, so they had reason to hope that their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, would be grown up by the time they’d become king and queen. “Everyone is still praying for Charles’ full recovery,” says the insider. “But he knows the monarchy will be in good hands with William.”

Prince William’s Responsibilities Are ‘Immense’

William, of course, has been in training to wear the crown from birth, while Kate married into the royal family in 2011 with a strong understanding of what was expected of her. “She and William know they have some big shoes to fill,” says the insider. “The responsibilities are immense, but they’re up for the challenge.”

Recently, William spoke about the future of the British monarchy as he viewed it. “I can only describe what I’m trying to do and that’s trying to do it differently, and I’m trying to do it for my generation,”he said on an official four-day visit to South Africa in November 2024. “I’m doing it with maybe a smaller “r” in the royal, if you like; that’s maybe a better way of saying it.”

Pomp and pageantry have been a part of the British monarchy for centuries, but Kate, who was born into a middle-class family, and William have tried to be more down-to-earth and approachable. They’ve been hands-on parents whose children attend local schools. In her official duties, Kate has never hesitated to hug a child or engage in small talk with another mom.

William, whose late mother, Diana, was known as “the people’s princess,” also plans to lead with kindness. “I really care about what I do,” he says. “It helps impact people’s lives … and I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world.”

Life After King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis

Even before his cancer diagnosis, Charles relied on William and Kate to be a huge support both personally and in royal circles. “He’s very proud of both his son and Kate,” says the insider. “William has been at his father’s side, and he’s up-to-date with the responsibilities and duties that go with the crown. Charles’ best advice to his son has been to be steady on your feet. Take the time to listen and think things through.”

As they go about their public and private lives, William and Kate are already moving forward with compassion, kind- ness and respect for people from every walk of life. “Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times,” Kate says. “We all have something we can offer one another.”