Throughout his second year as monarch, King Charles has faced numerous challenges, largely due to his ongoing cancer treatments. This has led to the cancellation of many royal engagements, presenting significant health hurdles. At the same time, his esteemed daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, has been navigating her own health issues, forging a profound bond between them.
Many reports suggest that Charles sees Kate as “the daughter he never had,” cementing a close relationship. With time, Kate is anticipated to succeed Camilla, becoming queen. Despite the knowledge gained from observing his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his own wife’s leadership, King Charles seems to refrain from guiding Kate on what to anticipate when her husband eventually takes the throne.

While King Charles has passed on various insights to Kate during her time with the royal family, he avoids offering direct advice on how to conduct herself as queen, perhaps due to an intimate and emotional underlying reason.
The duo’s strong bond has always been apparent. After Kate became part of the royal family, Charles, then a prince, admired her poise and grace—a sentiment that evolving mutual respect has only deepened over the years. Often viewed as “the daughter he never had,” their relationship grew stronger, particularly after confronting cancer diagnoses last year.
Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter noted that these shared health challenges have likely fortified their deep connection. Kate publicly acknowledged her diagnosis in March of last year, following Charles’ disclosure a month earlier, in February.
During these trying times, both Charles and Kate considered it necessary to withdraw from numerous royal obligations to concentrate on health and recovery. Speaking on The Royal Beat, Arbiter hinted that these shared trials brought “tremendous comfort” to both. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith echoed these sentiments in People Magazine, suggesting these struggles likely brought the pair even closer.

Though Kate is part of the royal family by marriage, Charles regards her as crucial to the monarchy’s future. Christopher Andersen, author of The King, describes her as Charles’ “secret weapon” for ensuring the monarchy’s continued relevance. He revealed that Charles’ deep respect for Kate’s decorum and resolve led him to bestow upon her the esteemed title of Royal Companion of Honour, illustrating his prophecy in her capabilities to preserve royal customs.
However, Andersen divulges that Charles avoids offering Kate counsel related to her potential role as queen. Such guidance might imply the fading of his own reign—a notion Charles, understandably, is reluctant to confront.
Moreover, Andersen shares that Camilla, Queen Consort, is equally unlikely to share advice on future queenly duties. While the two women reportedly harbor a “grudging respect” for each other, Camilla seems disinclined to discuss her personal experiences in the role.
Broadcaster Helena Chard, on the other hand, puts emphasis on King Charles’ confidence in Kate’s potential to thrive as queen when the time arrives. “Charles fully trusts Kate,” Chard expressed during a Fox News interview. “He sees her commitment to family above all, ensuring the prosperity of future generations. When the time comes, she will embrace the role effortlessly.”
Although Kate appears to have recovered from her health battles, it’s likely she will cautiously re-enter her full royal duties. The timeline for expanding her responsibilities remains unclear, but the trials endured might have imparted a renewed outlook on life for both Charles and Kate.
As they progress, this shared understanding will likely shape not just their relationship but also the monarchy’s trajectory moving forward.