Prince William & Kate Middleton Are Taking On More Responsibilities After Meghan & Harry's Exit: 'It's Been Quite Tough,' Expert Says
Kate Middleton and Prince William have been busier than ever since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left the royal family in 2020. To make matters worse, Prince Andrew, who stepped down from duties in 2019, has been out of the spotlight as well due to his ongoing scandal, meaning that the couple have a lot to take on.
“It’s been quite tough on William and Kate, with their young family, to step up and take on so many more responsibilities," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explained of their schedule. “They obviously set up Shout with the idea that the four of them would share out the workload and now it’s just the two of them. William has an awful lot else to do, so Kate is shouldering more of the workload. It must be difficult with the children, but they are getting used to the reality.”
In January, the two were spotted out and about at several events, and it was revealed that the mom-of-three, 40, is going to be taking on one of Harry's patronages.
"I am so thrilled to become Patron of the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union – two fantastic organisations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish. I look forward to working with them across all levels of the games, and to cheering England on in what promises to be an exciting year for both sports! C," the message read via Instagram.
When Meghan Markle, 40, and Harry, 37, decided to move to the United States in 2020, they gave up their patronages, which included England Rugby, The Royal National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Despite some family drama, it seems like Kate is the perfect person to fill in and make public appearances.
“It’s already been a crisis year for the royal family, with all that’s going on with Prince Andrew," expert Katie Nicholl said. “And it couldn’t be worse timing. I know the Queen was really keen to put on a united front and to celebrate the royal family this year, for the Jubilee. But it’s proving very hard to do that with all that’s gone on.”
