Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Princess Kate and Prince William in their coronation outfits waving from Buckingham Palace's balcony© Max Mumby/Indigo

How life has changed for Prince William and Princess Kate since the coronation

The Prince and Princess of Wales have had a busy year

Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
May 6, 2024
Share this:

2023 was a busy year for the Prince and Princess of Wales following William's father's coronation on 8 May. Although some things have remained the same for William and Kate, in other aspects their lives have changed

Both royals have picked up several new roles as a result of the late Queen's passing and Charles coming to the throne. However, the most obvious change for the royals is Kate having to step back from public duties following an abdominal surgery and her cancer diagnosis.

Join HELLO! as we chart all the major changes for the Prince and Princess of Wales since the coronation…

Kate's health issues

Princess Kate smiling at a table© WPA Pool
Kate was diagnosed with cancer in recent months

Princess Kate withdrew from the public eye in December 2023, and it was revealed in January that the royal had undergone an abdominal procedure, although further details at the time weren't shared.

Despite the explanation of where Kate would be, speculation began to arise about her whereabouts, prompting several conspiracy theories. On 22 March, the Princess of Wales shared a video where she confirmed that post-op tests discovered cancer and that she started treatment for the condition in late February.

Although William has continued carrying out royal duties, with the prince increasing his workload due to his father's cancer diagnosis, Kate has been recovering out of the public eye. An update has not been shared as to when Kate is expected to return to royal duties, with a statement only saying: "The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery."

New roles

Kate Middleton walking with two servicemen© Max Mumby/Indigo
William and Kate have several new roles in the military

William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales ahead of the King's coronation, but since the historic occasion, the pair have picked up other duties, some more honorific than others.

In August, Charles redistributed some of his late mother's old roles, as well as roles that were held by Prince Andrew until he stepped back as a senior royal due to his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Kate became the Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby and the Colonel-in-Chief of the Welsh Cavalry. Meanwhile, William became the Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps and the Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Valley.

Outside of the military roles, William has also been appointed as the Grand Master of the Order of Bath, and Kate became the Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour.

Prince George's education

Prince George in school uniform with Princess Kate© Pool
George will soon be making big decisions about his education

William and Kate's eldest son, Prince George, is still currently studying at Lambrook School alongside his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. However, in the past year, the royal parents have been looking towards George's future education.

One of the possible scenarios is for George to follow in his father's footsteps and attend Eton College with the youngster already taking exams that could see him enter the prestigious establishment. However, Eton isn't the young royal's only option and earlier in the year, William and Kate were seen touring St. Edward's Independent School, a £47,000-a-year institute in Oxfordshire alongside Marlborough College in Wiltshire, which counts Kate as an alumni.

Building houses on the Duchy of Cornwall

Prince William in a garden with two men© Hugh Hastings
William plans to build on the Duchy of Cornwall's land

The Prince of Wales has been the Duke of Cornwall since the late Queen's death, a role previously held by his father. The role comes with a grand estate on Cornish land, and William has signalled his intention to build homes on the land as part of his campaign to combat homelessness.

Working alongside St Petrocs, a homelessness charity based in the county, the royal aims to create 24 homes in Nansledan, Newquay, alongside additional support for the residents. Construction is expected to begin in September 2024 and is expected to be completed a year later in 2025.

Introducing their children to royal duties

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with a group of volunteers© WPA Pool
The royal children have been seen more frequently in recent years

Although they're still years away from carrying out solo engagements, since the coronation, Prince William and Kate's children have been seen more often, with Prince Louis making his debut at events like Kate's carol concert and the annual Sandringham Christmas walkabout. The young royal was also present for part of his grandfather's coronation after missing the late Queen's funeral.

Shortly after the coronation, the royal children were seen with their parents as part of the Big Help Out, while George has been more frequently seen at his father's side when they attend sporting fixtures, with Charlotte also seen in attendance at Wimbledon. The Wales children also helped to pack donations at a baby bank in Maidenhead with mum Kate at the end of last year.

LISTEN: The hard work being undertaken by the royals

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Royalty

See more