The past year has been one of unexpected challenges for the Prince and Princess of Wales, but it has also forced them to reflect deeply on what truly matters.

In a surprising shift, Prince William and Princess Catherine have started to prioritize their family’s well-being over royal duties.

This change in direction, fueled by Catherine’s health crisis, has altered the course of their lives—and the future of the monarchy.

In a rare and candid interview during the fourth annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in South Africa, Prince William offered a hopeful update on his wife’s condition.

When asked how Catherine was doing since completing her chemotherapy in early September, William responded, “She’s doing really well, thanks, and hopefully she’s watching tonight and cheering me on. She’s been amazing this whole year, and I know she’ll be really keen to see tonight be a success.” The Prince’s words were filled with admiration and love, as he acknowledged the resilience and strength Catherine has shown throughout this difficult period.

Rather than prioritizing their royal duties, the couple has made the well-being of their children and each other their primary focus. Catherine, known for her poise and composure, has made the difficult decision to step back from certain royal engagements, signaling the seriousness of her health condition. In 2021, she attended an inaugural award ceremony in London, and in 2022, she was present at the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Boston. But last year, she missed the event in Singapore to stay home and support their son, Prince George, through his first major exams.

The impact of her illness has been far-reaching, especially for their children, who are adjusting to a new reality where their mother’s health is the top priority. Catherine, ever mindful of her children’s well-being, took the decision to keep the details of her condition private until she was ready to share them—both with the public and, more importantly, with her family. She explained that part of the reason for withholding the news was to give her children the opportunity to process her illness in a way that they could understand.

Catherine also expressed her deep gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from the public, writing, “I’m deeply touched by the outpouring of love and prayers that have surrounded me since the news of my diagnosis became public.”

Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, have also adapted to the new reality in which their mother’s health is their primary concern. The family’s priorities have shifted from public appearances to the quiet, intimate moments that are essential in such difficult times.

As Catherine continues her chemotherapy treatment, the royal couple’s actions reflect a significant shift in how the monarchy may function in the future—less focused on grand ceremonies and more focused on the emotional well-being of the royal family. This change signals a move toward a more modern monarchy, one where personal health, family values, and individual choice take precedence over the traditional constraints of royal duty.

With Catherine’s health battles now a central part of their lives, the royal family’s future may look different than anyone had imagined. But if this year has proven anything, it’s that the strength of the family unit, grounded in love and resilience, will continue to define the next generation of British royalty.