When Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022, Prince William and Catherine had to step up and play an even more critical role in the royal family. With Prince William now next in line to the throne, Catherine will eventually become queen. This year was meant to be King Charles' first full year as the official monarch, symbolizing a new era for the Royals. However, the year took an unexpected turn when the King received a sudden cancer diagnosis, followed by Catherine's own health announcement shortly after.
In the months since, Prince William has been balancing his royal duties with his responsibilities as a father and husband. His ability to handle these pressures has been widely praised, though experts acknowledge he's faced a challenging time. Meanwhile, Catherine has made only a few public appearances, focusing on her health. Despite staying out of the limelight, several videos of her engagements have gone viral. In one such clip, Catherine is seen looking away, trying to maintain her composure just before Prince William hands her something special.
When William became the new Prince of Wales and took over his father’s former role with the Welsh Guards, it left the position of Colonel of the Irish Guards vacant. King Charles entrusted this role to Catherine. Footage from the day shows Catherine's reaction as William delivered the handover speech, honoring the regiment. She appeared slightly uneasy before giving her St. Patrick's speech, taking a deep breath to compose herself. During the ceremony, Prince William bestowed the title of Colonel of the Regiment upon her, formally passing on his responsibilities.
Many people have speculated about Catherine’s demeanor during the event. Some believe her nerves stemmed from her discomfort with public speaking, as she seems naturally shy. Others suggested that her expression reflected sadness, not nervousness, perhaps because William was leaving behind a position he had long held. Nonetheless, Catherine gracefully stepped up to fulfill her duties.
Another moment caught on camera that day showed Catherine giving William what some described as a "cold hard stare," which others interpreted as her adopting a more serious demeanor in her new role as Colonel. According to a palace insider, Catherine has been deeply touched by everything William has done for her during her health struggles this year. His unwavering support has not only been for her but also for their children, showcasing his strength and devotion. Their wedding vows, made years ago, have never felt more profound as they navigate this difficult time together, in sickness and in health.
William, who was already a hands-on father, has only grown stronger in his role as a parent throughout the emotional roller coaster of 2024. His back-to-back Father’s Day and birthday tributes from George, Charlotte, and Louis last month are evidence of this. William even attended Taylor Swift's Eras Tour with George and Charlotte on his 42nd birthday on June 21st, reinforcing his bond with his children. Catherine takes comfort in knowing that, if anything were to happen to her, the children would always have a loving and compassionate relationship with their father.
William's parenting style echoes that of his late mother, Princess Diana, who made it clear that her children were her top priority. Catherine is said to be a lot of fun to be around, encouraging her children to play and express themselves freely. William, for his part, feels a responsibility to modernize the monarchy and adapt to the times, but he doesn't view it as a burden—instead, he sees it as a privilege.
