Why Princess Beatrice May Step in to Fulfill Kate Middleton's Royal Duties
Princess Kate of Wales, Princess Beatrice of York
Could Princess Beatrice be preparing to take over some of Kate Middleton's royal duties this summer while she focuses on cancer treatment and recovery? A source close to the family certainly thinks so.
Although Beatrice is technically considered a non-working royal, she's earned herself a decent amount of increased press over the past few weeks, and now, a new report from The Daily Mail suggests that King Charles III may be tapping her to cover some key events over the summer that, typically, would have been handled by the Princess of Wales.
The family's summer schedule is packed with royal events, including Trooping the Colour, a state banquet, Garter Day, the 80th D-Day anniversary, and several Buckingham Palace garden parties. All the while, Kate is currently receiving "preventative" chemotherapy treatment to battle an undisclosed type of cancer and hasn't taken part in any royal events since December 2023.
In her absence, a source close to the royal family told the outlet that the King wants to cast Beatrice in her place, as well as her sister, Princess Eugenie—who is also a non-working royal—on occasion.
Beatrice, 35, is reportedly looking forward to lending a helping hand.
"I think Beatrice and Eugenie are adding support where they can," the source noted. "They've always been clear they're non-royal, but they're always there to help fulfill any duties required."
"[Charles] is looking to bring in some fresh blood and he's looking to Beatrice and Eugenie. He thinks that they've grown into very sensible, lovely women who he thinks could be a real asset," another source added. "Charles is listening to his public."
Though these statements have yet to be confirmed by the palace, it wouldn't be entirely out of the ordinary for the Yorks to offer their support, as Beatrice previously helped out the late Queen Elizabeth II during her reign.
While we wait for the royal family to formally announce the matter, we know one thing is for sure: after two cancer diagnoses in the family, the royals are ready to resume their regular duties, as King Charles and Prince William have both returned to making public engagements after some time off to be with their families.
The Prince of Wales even offered an update on his wife's health during his recent solo trip to the Cornish coast, telling reporters, "She's doing very well."
Hopefully, his statements mean Princess Kate will share some good news with the world soon.
