As King Charles steps back from public engagements amid his cancer diagnosis, Prince William is “stepping up” for the crown—even while his wife, Kate Middleton, is in recovery from her recent abdominal surgery. A royal source told People that Wills is in constant contact with his dad amid the news of his diagnosis and that it’s up to him and Queen Camilla to “be the face of the monarchy.”
“It is hard with Kate being ill as well, but he will step up,” a source close to the royal household told People of Prince William. While he’ll probably take on some duties on behalf of King Charles, there are no public plans to appoint Counsellors of State, or members of the royal family who would act on his behalf.
As for Charles, the source revealed that “He wouldn’t want to put that pressure on William. He has always wanted to save his children from having that pressure too early and that will remain. Particularly as William has other priorities [with Kate].”
“William will do his best, but the King will want to carry on with his duties as best he can,” the source revealed, explaining that Charles will still receive “red boxes,” or the monarch’s daily delivery of official files, to work as he’s getting treatment. King Charles will also keep his weekly audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and adjustments may be made if his doctors suggest minimizing in-person contact. “[Charles] will want to get on with the job. But that will depend on what treatment he is having. It may be utterly draining on him. He will need a lot of support,” the insider added.