William and Kate Reportedly Under ‘Ton of Pressure’ as Ailing King Charles Leans on Them ‘a Lot More’
As King Charles focuses on his health amid his cancer treatment, on his wife’s advice to cut back on royal duties, whispers around the Palace say Prince William and Kate Middleton are stepping up, not wanting to let the King down. But with more responsibility comes immense pressure and scrutiny.
A Palace insider has recently revealed, “Charles is leaning on them a lot more; it’s very clear he’s seeing them as the future of the monarchy, which is exciting but also puts a ton of pressure on them both because they don’t want to let him down,” GB News reported. With this shift, William and Middleton are being entrusted with new roles to shape the monarchy’s future, as evidenced by their being able to issue royal warrants from 2026.
While Charles, 76, remains visible at public events, Palace sources reveal that he is more careful in choosing which engagements to attend. “He still does plenty himself; it’s not as though he’s on bed rest, but he simply can’t do everything he used to, so they are being called on to step up in a big way.”
However, behind the scenes, this transition has been anything but smooth. The recent departure of Natasha Archer, Middleton’s long-serving personal assistant and unofficial stylist, has left a notable gap in the couple's trusted inner circle. Archer, who began working with the royal household over a decade ago, had been a steady pillar supporting the couple through years of public and personal challenges. This loss has compounded the already daunting demands on the Waleses, who are striving to maintain the intense pace of royal life while also managing their battles, including Middleton's recovery from cancer, PEOPLE reported.
When Middleton received her cancer diagnosis last year, she took a step back from royal duties to focus on her health and recovery, prioritizing her well-being during a challenging period. Now, after months away from the spotlight, she has slowly begun making her comeback, resuming a major chunk of her royal duties.
Despite their efforts, not everyone within the Palace is convinced that William and Middleton have embraced their roles with the fervor expected at this critical juncture. Royal expert Camilla Tominey revealed that staff have grown increasingly 'frustrated' by the pair's 'aversion to work'. Even before Middleton’s diagnosis, she was reportedly labeled a 'part-time royal' by those expecting more commitment from her as she often prioritized family (Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis) over duty.
William’s recent travels, attending events like the Euros in Germany and the Earthshot Prize in South Africa, have further fueled these sentiments, with some insiders questioning whether these escapades, trips taken for causes he is passionate about, detract from his 'bread and butter' duties as heir apparent, a bulk of which Princess Anne and Prince Edward is known to have taken up.