Prince William and Kate Middleton quietly building trusted team for ‘inevitable transition': experts
People magazine recently reported that as their future roles draw closer with time, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as their inner circle, are quietly focused on "building a trusted team of advisors" to guide them.
According to the outlet, palace aides have described King Charles' cancer diagnosis as "managed" as he continues to keep busy fulfilling royal duties while in treatment.
Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace for comment. Royal experts emphasized to Fox News Digital there's no reason to believe the king will abdicate anytime soon due to any health concerns.
"Prince William and Princess Catherine are indeed discreetly assembling a top-notch, extremely competent and reliable team to guide them through the coming transition," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital.
"There is now more urgency than anticipated just a few years ago due to King Charles' health concerns," Fordwich said. "They recognize it is imperative to be properly prepared for the throne with a trusted team assembled by their side. They are determined to mitigate any royal drama, and to remain focused on ensuring the continuity and relevance of the monarchy for the future."
A pal told People that "there are some major shifts coming behind the scenes."
"They are really finessing what works and what doesn't," the friend added.
The outlet also noted that, in recent years, Kate has "embraced her duties with a new level of professionalism and purpose."
Fordwich said the couple's team is already providing strategic advice and helping them navigate the work that awaits them as they continue to raise their three young children.
"Those who know members of their current team, who are said to be predominately from diplomatic and governmental backgrounds, share that they are more approachable than those in previous royal households," said Fordwich.
Kate stirred headlines on Wednesday when she unexpectedly pulled out of a scheduled return to Royal Ascot. The 43-year-old was said to be disappointed not to be there but is still trying to find the right balance as she returns to public engagements.
In January, Kate announced she was in remission from cancer.
Royal experts told Fox News Digital that the no-show is part of Kate's plan to prioritize her health and complete public engagements on a case-by-case basis. Some pointed out that the scorching heatwave that day may have contributed to her decision.
"She's being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life," Queen Elizabeth's former spokeswoman Alisa Anderson previously told People.
WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON MAKES KEY DECISIONS FOR ROYALS AS FUTURE QUEEN: EXPERT
But the future continues to be at the forefront for the couple as they support the king.
"King Charles' cancer diagnosis is being carefully managed by the palace," Fordwich explained.
"They will continue to issue limited updates to the public to maintain dignity regarding his condition. Behind the scenes, Princess Catherine has been involved in selecting advisors and shaping the team's direction, drawing on her own experiences, as well as the close relationship she has developed with the king via their shared cancer diagnoses."
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that Kate has become more influential than ever within the palace. She has been crowned as the most popular royal within the household.
"Princess Catherine is key to the future of the monarchy," said Chard. "She wields discreet influence and is set to become even more influential as she continues her life of royal service. She is loved and respected worldwide. Every bit the standout royal, the polished princess is paving the way and transitioning into her future role with grace, dignity and purpose."
"The Waleses are shaping their future to not only global leadership but leadership for social good," Chard shared. "Their aim is to be connected and relevant to the public. Trust is the key word here. They require a diligent, empathetic and trustworthy team working by their side."
"Their goal of creating and maintaining a good trusting relationship with the public is essential to a smooth-running monarchy," said Chard.
According to People magazine, Kate currently has a support network that primarily consists of family and a close circle of trusted friends. Following in the late queen's footsteps by focusing on duty and "keeping an air of mystery" with the public, she's already won over many palace aides.
"She was already the only working royal life with any special pulling power," Charles's biographer, Catherine Mayer, told People magazine. "She is the one who generates excitement. For her, less is actually more."
"I don't think you ever recover fully from what Kate has had to endure this last year," a pal told the outlet. "She has always been a huge asset to the royal family, but even more so now."
Following years of royal scandal, Chard said "top PR is essential" for the couple. In 2019, Prince Andrew stepped back as a senior royal following his controversial ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Then, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their royal exit, citing the unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace.
Following Harry and Meghan's move to California, they aired their grievances in interviews, documentaries, as well as Harry's 2023 memoir "Spare." Harry told the BBC in May that he was ready to reconcile with his family but that his father, 76, wouldn't speak to him.
Royal experts previously told Fox News Digital that William and Harry are not on speaking terms.
"The Princess of Wales, along with Prince William, will run an even tighter ship with their team," said Chard. "Everyone will feel appreciated and will do their best in supporting the couple. Team members' lips will be tightly sealed in relation to any royal drama. The... trust of the public will continue to grow."
"Family is heavily at the heart of their work and factoring their children around their diaries is of the utmost importance," Chard shared. "Their discreet team will also have Wales' children at heart, helping Prince George pave his way as future king."
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner claimed to Fox News Digital that while the king is in good spirits, William and Kate are feeling the pressure that, one day, they will reign.
"The reality is, William and Kate may feel that they will be head of the monarchy soon," he said. "[But] Charles seems to be enjoying every minute as king… [Meanwhile], William is totally ambitious and Kate dutifully follows along. They are matched in that way."
Pelham Turner pointed out that one challenge the couple will need to continue navigating is how to make the British royal family fresh and relevant today. While only time will tell, the couple appear to be up for the challenge.
"The big smile on Charles' face says a lot," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NHS ‘invisible waiting list' as three million patients await specialist appointments
Three million patients in England have had no appointment after being referred by their GPs to specialist care, a new analysis has suggested. NHS England figures last month estimated 7.36 million treatments were waiting to be carried out at the end of May, relating to just under 6.23 million patients. The new analysis from MBI Health suggests almost half of those have been left in limbo. Delays in making a first assessment can lead to late diagnosis, worsening symptoms and pressure on emergency services. The Patients Association, which represents patients across the country, said if accurate, the situation was 'staggering' and meant millions are waiting on an 'invisible waiting list.' The analysis comes after data showed the NHS is making progress in reducing the overall waiting list ahead of Sir Keir Starmer's promise for 92 per cent of patients to be treated within 18 weeks by March 2029 - a target not met since 2015. MBI's analysis found that around 70 per cent of referral to treatment pathways fall into the category of being 'unseen' since the patient's GP referred them to a specialist. The latest figures show how challenging that target will be, given an estimated one million of the three million unseen patients have already gone more than 18 weeks without receiving any care. The analysis found that ear, nose and throat (ENT), trauma and orthopaedics, gastroenterology, ophthalmology and gynaecology and obstetrics departments were consistently the specialist departments with the greatest number of patients not seen for the first time. Rachel Power, the chief executive of the Patients Association, told the Guardian 'If accurate, three million people are trapped in an invisible waiting list crisis, stuck without basic diagnostic tests of first appointments while their conditions worsen,' 'The scale is staggering, as nearly half of all patients on a waiting list haven't been seen by anyone. That's not a healthcare service; that's a breakdown. 'These aren't just statistics. They're people checking their phones daily for hospital calls that never come, unable to plan their lives while their symptoms deteriorate.' Last month, figures showed 56.1 per cent of those on the list at the end of June this year were of working age (defined as age 19 to 64), up from 55.8 per cent a year ago and 55 per cent in June 2022. At the same time, the proportion of people on the waiting list under the age of 19 has fallen, standing at 10.8 per cent in June this year, down from 11.2 per cent a year earlier and 11.9 per cent in June 2022. The proportion who are over 65 has remained broadly unchanged at around 33.1 per cent. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said: 'Thanks to this government's record investment, reforms and the hard work of NHS staff, we've cut the waiting list by over 260,000 since July 2024, which also fell for the first time in 17 years in April and May outside the pandemic. On top of this, we have also delivered 4.6m appointments – more than double the 2m we promised. 'This government is delivering the fundamental reform needed to turn our NHS around, and our 10-year health plan will build on this progress, to ensure we meet our target that 92 per cent of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks for treatment by March 2029.' The DHSC did not comment on the three million unseen patients.
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Essex NHS trust expands award-winning programme to support 'rising stars'
A talent development programme aimed at supporting rising stars in the NHS from minority ethnic backgrounds has been expanded. The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) launched the Resilience, Intelligence, Strength, and Excellence (RISE) initiative four years ago. This year, the award-winning programme was broadened to include staff across the mid and south Essex Integrated Care System. Paul Taylor, director of organisational development and culture at EPUT, said: "Across the mid and south Essex system, we benefit from having a diverse workforce with an incredible breadth of talent, much of which can go untapped. Read more Shrimpers striker Spasov excited to face his former side in friendly Driver, 88, failed eyesight test after causing death by dangerous driving in Essex "EPUT established the RISE programme to play a vital role in bringing this to light, making space, and elevating that potential." It is aimed at increasing the number of senior leaders from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds. The programme has so far seen 187 participants graduate, including 20 staff members this year alone. EPUT was named Best Employer for Diversity and Inclusion at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2024 for RISE.
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
I won't ever sit back and declare ‘job done', says drugs minister
Drugs minister Maree Todd has said she will never 'sit back, relax and say 'job done'' in the fight against drug deaths. Ms Todd was appointed to the role in June following the death of Christina McKelvie earlier this year from secondary breast cancer. Despite the circumstances of the appointment, the former mental health pharmacist said she was 'excited' to move from the social care brief to drugs as the Government continues its push to tackle the level of addiction and death across Scotland. The minister inherits a legacy which has been long-criticised by opponents, with Scotland having the highest drug death rates in Europe – a figure which actually increased between 2022 and 2023 in the latest available confirmed data. Just this week, figures showed the number of suspected drug deaths between March and May of this year increased by 15% compared to the previous 13 weeks. Speaking to the PA news agency, the minister said there is a 'consensus' that 'the work we are doing is the right kind of work', but the Government is responding to a 'changing landscape'. When the Government launched its national mission on drugs under the premiership of Nicola Sturgeon, the focus was largely on opioids such as heroin. But that has shifted, reflecting an increase in the injection of cocaine and the spectre of synthetic opioids known as nitazenes. On the latter, the minister said: 'They are unbelievably potent, super-strong, very tiny amounts can cause fatal overdoses easily.' As it looks to deal with the shifting threat posed by drugs, she stressed the need for the Government to be 'agile'. Ms Todd said: 'We've just had our rapid action drug alerts and response (Radar) statistics released this week and we've seen a rise in deaths, a rise in Naloxone use, a rise in hospital admissions. 'We are seeing some absolutely significant and tangible harm occurring because of the change in the drug supply. 'I suppose the lesson that provides to me is that we need to be agile. 'I don't think we do one thing and this job is done and we fixed the problem that Scotland faces, we have to continually look carefully at what's happening in Scotland, understand the challenges that we're facing, understand the harms that people are experiencing.' She added: 'I don't think I would ever sit back and relax and say 'job done'. 'I think we've seen some significant progress, but each of these deaths is an absolute tragedy – it's a family who's lost a loved one, it's a loss of potential and contribution to our communities.' The way forward, she said , is a job for the whole of Government, saying there is a need for 'primary prevention'. The minister said: 'We need to be thinking, why is it that Scotland faces this challenge and what can we do to shift the likelihood that people growing up in Scotland will turn to drugs and alcohol as they grow older?' Earlier this year, the Thistle Centre opened in the east end of Glasgow, a UK-first safe consumption room giving those struggling with addiction a safe place to inject drugs. Since opening, the facility has supervised 3,008 injecting episodes and dealt with 39 medical emergencies, which could include administering Naloxone or even resuscitation. 'People would definitely have died if they had not been in that unit,' Ms Todd said. 'I think in March, there was a cluster of very profound overdose episodes, I think this is the issue with nitazenes, they act very fast, so people were really unwell really quickly and it takes a lot of Naloxone because of its potency.' In other parts of Scotland without the benefit of a safe consumption room where that specific batch of drug was used, the minister said: 'Where people used it, they did die.'
