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It’s been a difficult year for Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, as she spent most of 2024 battling cancer. Now that this battle is behind her and she is reportedly cancer-free, Kate is looking to her future, which could involve her becoming Queen much sooner than anyone realizes.

Kate Preparing To Be Queen

Kate, 42, wasn’t the only royal battling cancer this year. King Charles, 76, revealed his own cancer battle back in February. While both Kate and Charles have never specified what type of cancer they had, the King’s treatments are still ongoing.

This has led to Kate and her husband Prince William, 42, facing the prospect of potentially taking the throne sooner than they were expecting.

“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 Magazine. “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.”

“There’s a sense of calm before the storm,” she continued. “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.”

Related: Kate Middleton Is Officially ‘Cancer Free’ After Completing Chemotherapy Treatments – But It ‘Can Change In An Instant’

Transition To The Throne Is Complex

While the transition to the throne is inevitable for William and Kate, it’s also incredibly complex. Indeed, it’s something that is handled with great care.

“It is something the institution is always mindful of,” a source close to the matter explained. “It is an institutional preparedness.”

“Their circumstances will eventually change,” the insider added. “Given what the future holds, it would be very sensible to build back slowly and prioritize family time.”

Now that Kate is cancer-free, she’s slowly easing her way back into public life. It is believed that at first, Kate will be making joint public appearances with William. That will make things easier for her before she ventures out on her own again.

“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,” said Queen Elizabeth’s former press secretary Ailsa Anderson. “The strategy of an unexpected visit gives her flexibility. She doesn’t have the pressure of feeling she has to turn up.”

“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,” explained Robert Hardman, author of The Making of a King: Charles III and the Modern Monarchy. “The details remain private, but there’s no sense of trying to gloss over the reality that it’s an unpredictable disease.”

Related: Princess Kate Middleton’s Battle With Cancer ‘Strengthened Her Christian Faith’

Kate’s New Outlook On Life

Having cancer typically changes a person’s outlook at life, and Kate is no exception. Those close to her say that Kate’s cancer battle has reshaped her focus, both in her personal and professional royal lives.

“Life-threatening illnesses bring a reconsideration of priorities. She and William have always made it clear that family is the most important thing,” an insider close to the royals alleged.

“She has to get back on top of it,” added another source. “And she will if she is left alone to work it out for herself.”

Kate was an inspiration long before her cancer battle. What she’s gone through this year, however, only reinforces what a strong, incredible woman that she really is. While we certainly hope she doesn’t have to ascend the throne too soon, we also know that she’ll be an amazing Queen someday!