Charles Tests Positive: Kate & Williams Takes Charge

The Cambridges prove yet again that they can be relied upon

Like millions around the globe and here in New Zealand, the royal family headed into lockdown last week, reeling from the news that Prince Charles had tested positive for COVID-19.

While the 71-year-old was said to have a mild case of the virus, fears were growing for the Queen and other family members, who all had contact with the heir to the throne in the two weeks prior to his diagnosis.

Doctors were monitoring our 93-year-old Queen closely as she isolates at Windsor Castle with 98-year-old Prince Philip, but understandably, behind the scenes questions are now turning to who will lead the monarchy in these unprecedented times.

According to a palace insider, it’s now up to Prince William, who’s second in line to the throne, and the Duchess of Cambridge to guide The Firm.

“Kate and William are facing the biggest challenge of their lives, and preparations to step up and lead the royal family are well underway. Not only is this one of the most testing times in history, but also one of the most difficult for them as a family.”

While balancing the demands of home-schooling and keeping their children calm and happy, Woman’s Day can reveal that William and Kate – who are self-isolating at their country home Anmer Hall in Norfolk – have been fast-tracked into key roles in the wake of the pandemic, which at the time of going to press had claimed more than 23,000 lives around the world.

“With the Queen and Prince Charles effectively out of action for many months to come, the burden is now falling squarely on William and Kate,” tells the source. “They accept their roles and are determined to fulfil them, but at the same time there is a certain amount of trepidation. All this is happening much faster than they could’ve ever imagined.”