Kate Middleton Will Be Queen "Sooner" Than Expected, But Health Is Her Main "Priority"

After the royal family's tumultuous year of health issues—both Kate Middleton and King Charles were diagnosed with cancer—Middleton and Prince William are preparing to step into their future roles of King and Queen of England much quicker than they were prepared to do. But with Middleton's own well being to consider, the pressure is on for the royal couple as they navigate what being reigning monarchs will look like.

“Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment," royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People. "As a result William has been taking on more responsibilities, and he and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they would have expected.”

An insider also told the outlet that Middleton and William are preparing for more demanding years ahead, but are still doing their best to focus on her health. “There’s a sense of calm before the storm," the source explained. "They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives, and of course, Kate’s health has taken priority, but it’s also allowed everyone to take a step back and figure out what’s important right now.”

Thankfully, the monarchy is the definition of "institutional preparedness,” and plans are changing frequently to reflect Middleton and William's reality. A source close to the royal family added, “their circumstances will eventually change. Given what the future holds, it would be very sensible to build back slowly and prioritize family time.”

In the meantime, the Princess of Wales has been making more public appearances alongside her prince—a move that is very intentional to manage expectations of the public. “They can’t raise people’s expectations with lots of engagements only for her to face a setback, not feel well, and things are canceled,” Queen Elizabeth's former press secretary, Ailsa Anderson, told the outlet. “The strategy of an unexpected visit gives her flexibility. She doesn’t have the pressure of feeling she has to turn up.”

The flexibility in Middleton's schedule allows for her to keep health at the top of her mind. Robert Hardman, author of The Making of a King: Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, added, “We are being encouraged not to look at this as a chapter that’s over and then it’s back to normal, because cancer doesn’t work like that. The details remain private, but there’s no sense of trying to gloss over the reality that it’s an unpredictable disease.”

Read the original article on InStyle