With King Charles and Princess Kate both focusing on their cancer recoveries, the royals are leaning on some unexpected members of the royal family for a helping hand—and this includes Prince Andrew’s daughter, Beatrice. For now, Princess Beatrice’s Kate Middleton cancer support plan will see King Charles’ niece taking on some public duties on behalf of the royal family, despite not being a working royal herself.
An insider recently revealed to OK! Magazine that Prince Andrew’s daughter “has been asked to fill in for Kate and do some appearances for the monarchy this summer.” Beatrice, who’s 35 now, “would love for it to become a permanent situation,” the source said. “Beatrice is comfortable in the spotlight and would be overjoyed to become a working royal.”
As for Kate, she announced she had cancer back in March 2024 and is reportedly feeling the “pressure” to get back to her royal duties, but King Charles wants her to focus on getting better first. “He was sympathetic and supportive, insisting she stop worrying and take as much time as is needed,” the insider shared. While Kate’s decision to stay out of the public eye might surprise some, the source emphasized that she “wants to make sure she’s here for her family — and the crown — for a long time.”
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Kate’s cancer news came after she had a planned abdominal surgery in January 2024. The surgery went according to plan, but follow-up tests showed she had cancer, so she started preventative chemotherapy. In her announcement, Kate revealed she was in the early stages of treatment.
Before going public with her diagnosis, Kate and Prince William wanted to explain everything to their kids—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—so they wouldn’t be scared. “It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK,” she shared in her announcement. “As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body, and spirits.”
Kate’s news came shortly after Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles was also being treated for cancer following a routine prostate procedure. On February 5, 2024, the palace said, “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” the palace’s statement continued. “Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.”
Since then, King Charles has gotten back to work, while Kate continues to focus on her recovery. With all this going on, it looks like Princess Beatrice could be getting a lot more royal spotlight this summer.