Kate Middleton and Prince William getting ready for the throne ‘sooner than expected’

Kate Middleton and Prince William are gradually stepping into their future roles as King and Queen amid significant personal and family challenges. The Princess of Wales, who recently hosted her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, continues to prioritise her recovery after completing chemotherapy in September.

The December 6 service, attended by William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, marked Kate’s return to public life.

Dressed in a festive red coat, she appeared composed, though her yearlong battle with cancer has brought profound changes. In a candid moment, Kate reflected on her year, admitting it had been unexpectedly challenging.

As William and Kate navigate this phase, their responsibilities within the Royal Family increase. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022, the couple has taken on more duties.

With King Charles undergoing treatment for cancer and Queen Camilla recently stepping back due to pneumonia, William has assumed additional responsibilities. Kate’s recovery has added another layer of complexity to their evolving roles.

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith has noted that, due to these circumstances, William and Kate are preparing for their future sooner than anticipated.

“Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment. 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,” Smith said.

‘Calm before the storm’

A close insider described this period as the “calm before the storm”, with the couple focusing on family and easing into their expanded roles.

“There’s a sense of calm before the storm. 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,” the insider told PEOPLE.