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16 Mar 2025, Sun

William and Kate prepare to take over as Charles III’s health deteriorates

kate and William 2


The British monarchy is undergoing a transformative moment in 2025, driven by the deteriorating health of King Charles III, 76, who has been battling cancer since his diagnosis in February 2024. The worsening condition, discovered after a procedure for benign prostate enlargement, has sharply reduced his public engagements, dropping from over 200 in 2024 to fewer than 50 this year. As Buckingham Palace remains tight-lipped about the severity of his illness, Prince William, 42, and Kate Middleton, also 42, are stepping up as key pillars of the Crown, taking on critical responsibilities to ensure its continuity. Just two and a half years into his reign, which began in September 2022 following the death of Elizabeth II, Charles III’s tenure may end sooner than anticipated, hastening the succession to a couple already enjoying a 75% approval rating among Britons.

William has emerged as the monarchy’s leading figure, handling about 80% of royal duties in 2025, including 10 international trips that cement his diplomatic stature. Kate, meanwhile, is gradually resuming her role after her own cancer diagnosis in January 2024, with plans for 20 engagements this year focused on early childhood and mental health. The dual health crises, combined with the need to modernize an institution that contributes £1.8 billion annually to the British economy, place the couple at the heart of a shift that could reshape the monarchy’s future.

The couple’s popularity, up 10% since 2023, underscores public confidence in their leadership potential. As Charles struggles to maintain essential duties like meetings with the prime minister, William and Kate are preparing to ascend the throne, balancing tradition with innovation amid global and domestic uncertainty across the 56 Commonwealth nations.

Health crisis reshapes royal roles

Charles III’s health has reached a critical stage in 2025, marking a turning point for the British monarchy. Diagnosed over a year ago, the king’s public schedule has shrunk dramatically, with intensive treatment curtailing his involvement in high-profile events. Once an active monarch with 25 international trips in 2023, he managed fewer than 10 in 2024, delegating most duties to William. The lack of specifics about the cancer’s type or stage fuels concern, but the absence of improvement points to a serious prognosis, prompting the palace to prioritize succession planning.

William has taken on an unprecedented leadership role, managing the Duchy of Cornwall and representing the king in global engagements, such as the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in December 2024. His efforts raised £20 million for mental health initiatives in 2024, a 15% increase from the previous year, showcasing his dedication to social causes. The accelerated transition aims to preserve the stability of an institution that, despite costing £100 million annually, delivers significant economic benefits, including £500 million from tourism.

Kate Middleton, even while recovering, remains vital to the royal dynamic. After her engagements fell from 120 to 40 in 2024 due to treatment, she aims for 60 events in 2025, prioritizing initiatives that reached 2 million children last year. Her resilience bolsters the couple’s image as future leaders capable of navigating adversity.

Intensive preparation for the throne

With Charles III’s health declining, William and Kate are intensifying their preparations to lead the monarchy. The prince has held over 20 meetings with foreign policy experts in 2025 and undertaken 10 international trips, honing his diplomatic skills. Kate, despite treatment constraints, targets 20 engagements focused on early childhood, a cause that supported millions of British children in 2024. Together, they raised £50 million in charitable donations last year, a 25% jump from 2023, solidifying their reputation as engaged leaders.

Modernizing the Crown is a core goal for the couple. William’s Earthshot Prize, a sustainability initiative, reached 5 million beneficiaries in 2024, while Kate’s mental health projects target younger audiences. These efforts counter criticism of the monarchy’s £100 million annual cost, with 40% of Britons questioning its value in recent polls, and aim to align the institution with contemporary demands.

Their children are also part of the equation. Prince George, 11, attended five public events in 2024, such as charity visits, beginning his royal training. Charlotte and Louis, second and third in line to the throne, follow this gradual transition, ensuring the dynasty’s continuity amid the crisis.

Milestones of the royal transition in 2025

The rapid evolution of the royal health crisis is clear in a series of recent events that have reshaped the monarchy’s priorities:

  • January 2024: Kate Middleton is diagnosed with cancer after abdominal surgery.
  • February 2024: Charles III receives a cancer diagnosis post-prostate procedure.
  • December 2024: William leads royal representation at Notre-Dame’s reopening.
  • Early 2025: Charles’s worsening condition speeds up succession plans.

These moments highlight the urgency of William and Kate’s preparation, with the prince taking on 80% of royal duties in 2025 and Kate resuming selective activities. Charles’s once-robust schedule has dwindled to minimal functions, underscoring the ongoing power shift.

Global challenges and the Commonwealth in focus

The monarchy faces mounting pressure within the Commonwealth, a 56-nation bloc spanning 2.5 billion people. Barbados severed ties with the Crown in 2021, and six countries, including Jamaica and Australia, plan republican debates in 2025. William and Kate, with approval 20% above the royal average, must preserve these connections, leveraging their popularity to reinforce the monarchy’s global relevance.

Domestically, the institution’s £100 million annual cost draws scrutiny, but its £1.8 billion economic impact, including £500 million from tourism, offsets the debate. The couple’s charitable work, benefiting 5 million people in 2024, helps sustain public support amid uncertainty.

Lessons from history for succession

Sudden transitions are not new to the British monarchy. In 1936, Edward VIII abdicated, paving the way for George VI. In 1952, George VI’s unexpected death elevated Elizabeth II to the throne at 25, launching a seven-decade reign. Charles III, crowned at 73 in 2022, may have the shortest reign since Edward VIII due to his health, pressing William and Kate to step up swiftly.

The couple’s intensive training in diplomacy and governance reflects this adaptation. George’s introduction to royal duties at 11 mirrors William’s start at 10, ensuring the next generation’s readiness.

Kate Middleton’s resilience stands out

Despite her cancer diagnosis in January 2024, Kate Middleton shows strength by resuming duties in 2025. Her 40 engagements in 2024, down significantly from 120 in 2023, rise to a goal of 60 events this year, focusing on early childhood and mental health. These initiatives impacted 2 million children last year, cementing her role as an inspiring royal figure.

William balances support for his wife with his growing responsibilities, taking on most of Charles’s duties. The couple’s public approval, climbing from 65% in 2023 to 75% in 2025, reflects British confidence in their leadership during this dual crisis.

Kate Middleton Familia Real
Kate Middleton Familia Real – Lorna Roberts / Shutterstock.com

Economic impact of the monarchy under scrutiny

The British monarchy remains an economic driver, generating £1.8 billion in 2024, with £500 million from tourism. Yet, its £100 million annual cost faces criticism, with 40% of Britons questioning its worth in recent surveys. William and Kate counter this with projects raising £50 million for charity in 2024, aiding 5 million people and aligning the Crown with issues like sustainability and well-being.

These efforts maintain the institution’s relevance as Charles’s health and republican debates challenge its resilience. The couple’s modern approach is key to sustaining public backing in a transformative era.

Path to a new royal era

As Charles III undergoes rigorous treatment, the monarchy braces for a historic shift. William’s 10 international trips and Kate’s 20 planned engagements in 2025 signal an active transition. Their 75% approval rating, surpassing Charles’s, provides stability amid challenges like republican debates in six Commonwealth nations.

With George being groomed as the next in line, this transition—the first in seven decades—tests William and Kate’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. Their resilience suggests the Crown may emerge stronger from this crisis.



The British monarchy is undergoing a transformative moment in 2025, driven by the deteriorating health of King Charles III, 76, who has been battling cancer since his diagnosis in February 2024. The worsening condition, discovered after a procedure for benign prostate enlargement, has sharply reduced his public engagements, dropping from over 200 in 2024 to fewer than 50 this year. As Buckingham Palace remains tight-lipped about the severity of his illness, Prince William, 42, and Kate Middleton, also 42, are stepping up as key pillars of the Crown, taking on critical responsibilities to ensure its continuity. Just two and a half years into his reign, which began in September 2022 following the death of Elizabeth II, Charles III’s tenure may end sooner than anticipated, hastening the succession to a couple already enjoying a 75% approval rating among Britons.

William has emerged as the monarchy’s leading figure, handling about 80% of royal duties in 2025, including 10 international trips that cement his diplomatic stature. Kate, meanwhile, is gradually resuming her role after her own cancer diagnosis in January 2024, with plans for 20 engagements this year focused on early childhood and mental health. The dual health crises, combined with the need to modernize an institution that contributes £1.8 billion annually to the British economy, place the couple at the heart of a shift that could reshape the monarchy’s future.

The couple’s popularity, up 10% since 2023, underscores public confidence in their leadership potential. As Charles struggles to maintain essential duties like meetings with the prime minister, William and Kate are preparing to ascend the throne, balancing tradition with innovation amid global and domestic uncertainty across the 56 Commonwealth nations.

Health crisis reshapes royal roles

Charles III’s health has reached a critical stage in 2025, marking a turning point for the British monarchy. Diagnosed over a year ago, the king’s public schedule has shrunk dramatically, with intensive treatment curtailing his involvement in high-profile events. Once an active monarch with 25 international trips in 2023, he managed fewer than 10 in 2024, delegating most duties to William. The lack of specifics about the cancer’s type or stage fuels concern, but the absence of improvement points to a serious prognosis, prompting the palace to prioritize succession planning.

William has taken on an unprecedented leadership role, managing the Duchy of Cornwall and representing the king in global engagements, such as the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in December 2024. His efforts raised £20 million for mental health initiatives in 2024, a 15% increase from the previous year, showcasing his dedication to social causes. The accelerated transition aims to preserve the stability of an institution that, despite costing £100 million annually, delivers significant economic benefits, including £500 million from tourism.

Kate Middleton, even while recovering, remains vital to the royal dynamic. After her engagements fell from 120 to 40 in 2024 due to treatment, she aims for 60 events in 2025, prioritizing initiatives that reached 2 million children last year. Her resilience bolsters the couple’s image as future leaders capable of navigating adversity.

Intensive preparation for the throne

With Charles III’s health declining, William and Kate are intensifying their preparations to lead the monarchy. The prince has held over 20 meetings with foreign policy experts in 2025 and undertaken 10 international trips, honing his diplomatic skills. Kate, despite treatment constraints, targets 20 engagements focused on early childhood, a cause that supported millions of British children in 2024. Together, they raised £50 million in charitable donations last year, a 25% jump from 2023, solidifying their reputation as engaged leaders.

Modernizing the Crown is a core goal for the couple. William’s Earthshot Prize, a sustainability initiative, reached 5 million beneficiaries in 2024, while Kate’s mental health projects target younger audiences. These efforts counter criticism of the monarchy’s £100 million annual cost, with 40% of Britons questioning its value in recent polls, and aim to align the institution with contemporary demands.

Their children are also part of the equation. Prince George, 11, attended five public events in 2024, such as charity visits, beginning his royal training. Charlotte and Louis, second and third in line to the throne, follow this gradual transition, ensuring the dynasty’s continuity amid the crisis.

Milestones of the royal transition in 2025

The rapid evolution of the royal health crisis is clear in a series of recent events that have reshaped the monarchy’s priorities:

  • January 2024: Kate Middleton is diagnosed with cancer after abdominal surgery.
  • February 2024: Charles III receives a cancer diagnosis post-prostate procedure.
  • December 2024: William leads royal representation at Notre-Dame’s reopening.
  • Early 2025: Charles’s worsening condition speeds up succession plans.

These moments highlight the urgency of William and Kate’s preparation, with the prince taking on 80% of royal duties in 2025 and Kate resuming selective activities. Charles’s once-robust schedule has dwindled to minimal functions, underscoring the ongoing power shift.

Global challenges and the Commonwealth in focus

The monarchy faces mounting pressure within the Commonwealth, a 56-nation bloc spanning 2.5 billion people. Barbados severed ties with the Crown in 2021, and six countries, including Jamaica and Australia, plan republican debates in 2025. William and Kate, with approval 20% above the royal average, must preserve these connections, leveraging their popularity to reinforce the monarchy’s global relevance.

Domestically, the institution’s £100 million annual cost draws scrutiny, but its £1.8 billion economic impact, including £500 million from tourism, offsets the debate. The couple’s charitable work, benefiting 5 million people in 2024, helps sustain public support amid uncertainty.

Lessons from history for succession

Sudden transitions are not new to the British monarchy. In 1936, Edward VIII abdicated, paving the way for George VI. In 1952, George VI’s unexpected death elevated Elizabeth II to the throne at 25, launching a seven-decade reign. Charles III, crowned at 73 in 2022, may have the shortest reign since Edward VIII due to his health, pressing William and Kate to step up swiftly.

The couple’s intensive training in diplomacy and governance reflects this adaptation. George’s introduction to royal duties at 11 mirrors William’s start at 10, ensuring the next generation’s readiness.

Kate Middleton’s resilience stands out

Despite her cancer diagnosis in January 2024, Kate Middleton shows strength by resuming duties in 2025. Her 40 engagements in 2024, down significantly from 120 in 2023, rise to a goal of 60 events this year, focusing on early childhood and mental health. These initiatives impacted 2 million children last year, cementing her role as an inspiring royal figure.

William balances support for his wife with his growing responsibilities, taking on most of Charles’s duties. The couple’s public approval, climbing from 65% in 2023 to 75% in 2025, reflects British confidence in their leadership during this dual crisis.

Kate Middleton Familia Real
Kate Middleton Familia Real – Lorna Roberts / Shutterstock.com

Economic impact of the monarchy under scrutiny

The British monarchy remains an economic driver, generating £1.8 billion in 2024, with £500 million from tourism. Yet, its £100 million annual cost faces criticism, with 40% of Britons questioning its worth in recent surveys. William and Kate counter this with projects raising £50 million for charity in 2024, aiding 5 million people and aligning the Crown with issues like sustainability and well-being.

These efforts maintain the institution’s relevance as Charles’s health and republican debates challenge its resilience. The couple’s modern approach is key to sustaining public backing in a transformative era.

Path to a new royal era

As Charles III undergoes rigorous treatment, the monarchy braces for a historic shift. William’s 10 international trips and Kate’s 20 planned engagements in 2025 signal an active transition. Their 75% approval rating, surpassing Charles’s, provides stability amid challenges like republican debates in six Commonwealth nations.

With George being groomed as the next in line, this transition—the first in seven decades—tests William and Kate’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. Their resilience suggests the Crown may emerge stronger from this crisis.



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