Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Prince William and Princess Kate have stepped firmly into royal seniority. Their position as Prince and Princess of Wales has brought them within touching distance of William’s eventual reign. The timing, however, has been far from straightforward. Just weeks before Kate revealed her own diagnosis, King Charles announced he was undergoing cancer treatment, creating an unusual moment where both the present and future generations of the monarchy were facing serious health concerns at the same time.
Despite this, Kate gradually returned to royal duties after completing treatment in September 2024. Her schedule has included state banquets, high-profile summits and hosting international leaders, all while maintaining a sense of calm normality for her children. The family have also recently settled into what is reported to be their long-term home at Forest Lodge in Windsor, overseeing renovations while adjusting to yet another period of transition.