KATE & WILLIAM TAKE CHARGE
The Cambridges prove yet again that they can be relied upon
Like millions around the globe and here in New Zealand, the royal family headed into lockdown last week, reeling from the news that Prince Charles had tested positive for COVID-19.
While the 71-year-old was said to have a mild case of the virus, fears were growing for the Queen and other family members, who all had contact with the heir to the throne in the two weeks prior to his diagnosis.
Doctors were monitoring our 93-year-old Queen closely as she isolates at Windsor Castle with 98-year-old Prince Philip, but understandably, behind the scenes questions are now turning to who will lead the monarchy in these unprecedented times.
According to a palace insider, it’s now up to Prince William, who’s second in line to the throne, and the Duchess of Cambridge to guide The Firm.
“Kate and William are facing the biggest challenge of their lives, and preparations to step up and lead the royal family are well underway. Not only is this one of the most testing times in history, but also one of the most difficult for them as a family.”
While balancing the demands of home-schooling and keeping their children calm and happy, Woman’sDay can reveal that William and Kate – who are selfisolating at their country home Anmer Hall in Norfolk – have been fast-tracked into key roles in the wake of the pandemic, which at the time of going to
press had claimed more than 23,000 lives around the world.
“With the Queen and Prince Charles effectively out of action for many months to come, the burden is now falling squarely on William and Kate,” tells the source. “They accept their roles and are determined to fulfil them, but at the same time there is a certain amount of trepidation. All this is happening much faster than they could’ve ever imagined.”
Charles’ coronavirus was confirmed exactly a fortnight after meeting Prince Albert of Monaco, 62, who tested positive five days ago, after he sat opposite the Prince of Wales at a WaterAid event in London on March 10.
Amazingly, the Duchess of Cornwall, 72, tested negative for the disease, and the couple have been isolating separately at Balmoral, in Scotland.
“Prince Charles has been displaying mild symptoms, but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual,” says a spokesman.
With the Queen and Prince Philip in lockdown at Windsor Castle, and Charles and Camilla expected to isolate for many months, aides have no choice but to turn to William and Kate for guidance. And our source says that despite feeling under enormous pressure, Kate in particular has once again shown she has what it takes to ensure the monarchy thrives when the time comes for her and William to take the throne.
“Kate has been exceptional throughout this crisis,” tells a palace source. “She’s the glue that’s holding everyone together.
“Kate and William didn’t have to think twice – they were adamant they would take over all duties so that the Queen and Charles could isolate and stay safe without any undue stress. They were determined to lead from the front and show a calm and united approach.”
On March 21, William and