Prince William and Kate Middleton are crucial figures in a fragile monarchy, with experts warning of potential collapse.

Recently, the Princess of Wales participated in Trooping the Colour alongside the royal family, demonstrating unity amid her cancer battle.

 

Could the Prince and Princess of Wales hold the key to rescuing a monarchy facing a health crisis? Some royal experts believe so.

King Charles III, who has advocated for a streamlined monarchy, has seen several prominent royal family members sidelined. Both he and Kate Middleton are contending with cancer, while his sister, Princess Anne, known as his close supporter, has been hospitalized for a concussion

Expert: Despite battling cancer, Kate Middleton is keen to attend Wimbledon.

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Prince Andrew has maintained a low profile since his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal led to a controversial interview in 2019, while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been residing in California since their departure in 2020.

Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” expressed to Fox News Digital, “William and Kate, widely regarded as the most beloved members of the royal family, truly represent the foundation upon which the monarchy’s future hinges. Should either of them falter, the entire institution could collapse. Currently, Kate finds herself in a precarious position. The ground beneath her is undergoing significant shifts. Only time will reveal her resilience.”

Royal author and Vanity Fair correspondent Katie Nicholl claimed the palace didn’t have a game plan to address the health woes of several senior members, including Kate Middleton. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Royal author Katie Nicholl recently wrote in Vanity Fair that the palace “did not have a game plan,” following the devastating dual cancer diagnosis for the king, 75, and his daughter-in-law, 42.

Nicholl noted, “This was not a public scandal or crisis akin to an abdication.” She continued, “Nevertheless, it prompted Charles to reassess his vision for a streamlined monarchy and its optimal service to the people. The once formidable House of Windsor, led not long ago by the world’s longest-reigning monarch, suddenly appeared exceedingly vulnerable.”

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Andersen highlighted that both the king and his eldest son William had endorsed a leaner monarchy model, focusing duties on a select group of senior royals. However, Anne’s inclusion “among the sidelined senior royals” compelled the palace to reconsider its strategy.


Andersen suggests that William is now under heightened scrutiny as the heir to the throne. As for Kate, there is a palpable anticipation for her official return to public life.

Prince William, the elder son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, is heir to the British throne. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Andersen clarified, “The reality is that reducing the royal family to only a select few risks bringing it to a complete standstill. For over 70 years, the Windsors enjoyed unprecedented longevity. Queen Elizabeth II lived to 96, and her husband Prince Philip, the longest-lived royal male in history, reached 99 years old.”

“The Queen Mother enjoyed her favorite gin and Dubonnets until her remarkable age of 101. With senior royals appearing practically immortal and three generations of future monarchs waiting in the wings, redundancy seemed unnecessary.”

Queen Elizabeth II, England’s longest-reigning monarch, died in 2022. She was 96. Prince William is heir to the British throne. (Geoff Pugh/Getty Images)

Andersen added, “It’s understandable that palace officials were caught off guard by the simultaneous cancer diagnoses of King Charles and Princess Kate, along with the sidelining of such a crucial figure like the Princess Royal. The options for the home team are dwindling.”

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard shared with Fox News Digital that once Kate completes her recovery and resumes her duties, the public’s confidence in the monarchy’s future will likely improve.

“The enigmatic and graceful Princess of Wales is pivotal to the monarchy’s future,” she emphasized. “Everyone hopes for her full recovery. With a few more months of cancer treatment and rest, she will regain her strength. When she resumes her regular duties, concerns about health issues and the monarchy’s stability will fade.”

Kate Middleton announced to the world she had cancer in a prerecorded message shared in March 2024. (The Prince and Princess of Wales Twitter)

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams concurred.

“The Prince and Princess of Wales have represented the future of the monarchy since their marriage,” he elaborated. “Their children follow after them… Kate possesses star quality, grace, and unwavering dedication. Together with William, they possess a unique appeal as a couple. Her advocacy for early childhood education is particularly noteworthy.”

“Princess Anne’s recent accident underscores the unpredictability of circumstances,” Fitzwilliams observed. “Not long ago, she expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a streamlined monarchy. The direction of the royal family’s role depends on what society expects.”

Princess Beatrice, left, and Princess Eugenie, the daughters of Prince Andrew, could step in to help the senior royals. (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Several experts agreed not all royals possess the same star power as the Prince and Princess of Wales. Still, they’re considered the most desirable candidates to step in and help.

“Prince Edward and his wife Sophie are doing what they can to take up the slack,” said Andersen. “Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie could be asked to pitch in, which would be ironic given that Charles once contemplated stripping Andrew’s daughters of their titles as part of his plan to slim down the monarchy. Not surprisingly, Andrew angrily objected at the time.

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, attend Ladies Day of Royal Ascot 2024 at Ascot Racecourse June 20, 2024, in Ascot, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

“However, none of these minor royals possess the charisma to step in for Kate should she become unavailable,” Andersen continued. “Perhaps only Prince Harry, whose popularity fluctuates, could bring back the excitement and momentum — provided he can reconcile with King Charles and Prince William. But that’s a massive uncertainty. Currently, neither King Charles nor Prince William shows any sign of compromise. The rift between the brothers persists.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex live in California with their two children. (Getty Images)

Chard suggested other members of the royal family could pitch in — even if they don’t have titles.

“Zara and Mike Tindall and Peter Phillips jump in with energy,” she said. “They add interest, fun and vibrancy to all occasions. I am sure their royal standing could be renegotiated if needed.”

Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne, is married to former rugby player Mike Tindall. (Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images)

However, there is optimism for the royals, and the burden on the Prince and Princess of Wales may lighten.

On June 15, the royal family presented a symbolic show of unity during Trooping the Colour, standing together on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. This occasion marked Kate’s first public appearance since revealing in March that she was undergoing chemotherapy.

Andersen remains optimistic about the monarchy’s future. Nonetheless, senior royals will face significant challenges ahead.

King Charles III waves as he formally bids farewell to Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at Buckingham Palace in London June 27, 2024. (Chris Jackson/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

“Is the monarchy now more vulnerable than ever before? Many have overlooked the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death, when public anger toward Queen Elizabeth’s perceived lack of empathy compelled the monarch to apologize and pay respects to Diana’s passing coffin. Nevertheless, the current period undoubtedly poses significant challenges for the monarchy, with difficult days ahead.

“There are likely moments when King Charles regrets ever considering a ‘slimmed-down monarchy.’ The institution is being streamlined in a manner unforeseen by him.”