There appear to be signs that Kate Middleton is preparing for life as queen, as the British royal family began their Christmas celebrations early this year.
Kate, Prince William and their three children skipped the traditional festive lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday with King Charles and the extended royal family.
Instead, they stayed in at Anmer Hall in Norfolk as they take things easy following what William described as a “brutal” year after the Princess of Wales’ battle with cancer.
The diagnosis forced her out of the public spotlight for much of the year, but now that she has finished her chemotherapy treatment, her and William are spending as much time as they can with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“No one could have expected what this year has brought for the Prince and Princess of Wales,” said a family friend. “Family is so important to them, and the children are the center of their universe.
“They wanted to start celebrating early. They’re focused this Christmas [season] on being with the family at home and then joining the rest of the Windsor family on Christmas Day. The Prince of Wales has said this has been the hardest year of his life.”
King Charles’ own cancer has Wales’ on alert
Given that Kate and William are fully aware of what a cancer diagnosis means, it is no surprise they are on alert as King Charles continues his own treatment for cancer.
As a result the Prince and Princes of Wales know they could become King and Queen in no time and are preparing for the scenario should it play out.
“Catherine is as ready as she will ever be to be queen,” said Hugo Vickers, noted royal historian and friend of the family.
This comes after King Charles was “exhausted” following his recent trip to Australia and Samoa in October.
“He looks quite knackered up close and red around the eyes and thinner,” said one royal insider who has seen Charles recently. “Especially for someone who normally looks so vigorous, but I suppose it’s only to be expected after 10 months of cancer treatment.”
A source also told Page Six that Charles’ cancer treatment will continue into next year, and that his health is still being “managed” but is “moving in a positive direction”.
As a result William is taking steps to bring younger relatives in to help with public duties, and he invited his cousins, including Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Zara and Mike Tindall, to co-host a garden party this summer.
“We need more of them – more energized younger members of the family,” said Vickers.
Kate has also been showing she is ready to step up to her role as queen by wearing more jewelry that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
She was spotted wearing a four-strand pearl choker necklace that belonged to the Queen, and was worn by Princess Diana, last month while greeting the Qatari royal family. Kate also wore the queen’s diamond and pearl drop earrings.
“We’re starting to see the nods to the family line,” Vickers said. “It’s a dynasty moment and shows she’s conscious at some point of really stepping into the most senior role of queen.”
