THE BIGGEST TEST OF THEIR LIVES

Growing schedules and a slimmed-down Firm are proving tough

The King has always maintained that a “slimmed-down monarchy” was the way forward following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

However, even his own sister, Princess Anne, has pointed out that it “doesn’t sound like a good idea”. Now, more than a year since Charles ascended the throne, palace insiders tell Woman’s Day that the decision to streamline The Firm is less than ideal. Especially because it now contains just four members under the age of 70 – the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh!

We’re told it’s a problem that’s putting a lot of pressure on the two couples, who are each trying to raise families and balance increasing duties.

ROYAL ROUGH PATCH 

“It appears everything is piling on them at once,” says our insider, adding that Prince William and his wife Kate, both 41, are suffering the most.

“The reality of the situation has put enormous stress on their home life,” tells the source, noting that the busy parents are going through something of “a rough patch” when it comes to balancing their duties.

“William is extremely stressed, which you can tell by his constant jaw-clenching.”

Adding to William’s anguish is a constant fear that his 74-year-old father’s health and well-being could see the heir serving as a regent sooner than he ever expected.