Queen Elizabeth Names Prince William and Kate Middleton King and Queen - Closer Weekly
What a royal family shake-up! Queen Elizabeth has officially named her beloved grandson Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, the next King and Queen of England, according to Life & Style magazine. Unfortunately, this means the Queen's eldest son, Prince Charles, has officially been skipped over in the British monarchy's line of succession.
MORE: Kate Middleton Jokes That Prince William "Would Be out the Door" If She Got Pregnant Again
"Her Majesty realized that William and Kate are the future. She has spent 65 years making sure that the House of Windsor survives, and she sees William and Kate as having the energy and star quality to do the job in a modern world. Queen Elizabeth will always do what is best for the long-term health of the monarchy," a palace insider recently told the entertainment news magazine.
"With all the drama that has surrounded the royal family over recent decades, Elizabeth realizes the monarchy no longer has the respect and power it once had," another source said. "In her eyes, William and Kate are the two people who can turn that around."
Sadly, the 91-year-old Queen's decision to pass the crown on to William, 35, instead of Charles, 68, has influenced Will's relationship with his dad. "Things have been a bit strained between William and his father since the Queen’s decision. But they are slowly getting used to it," the royal insider revealed. Interestingly, Charles' wife of 12 years, Camilla Parker Bowles, isn't upset by her mother-in-law's big news. "She’s secretly thrilled about the Queen’s decision. At 70, she’s had enough drama to last her a lifetime. [But], it’s hard on Charles. He has been unlucky as the man with the longest wait for a job ever," royal author Duncan Larcombe told Life & Style .
So, now that William and Kate, also 35, will become King and Queen, how will their new roles affect their two young children, Prince George, 4, and Princess Charlotte, 2? "Kate had wanted to keep a low profile for a few more years. She’s desperate to remain a hands-on mom and worries about being in the spotlight more. She’s concerned about the added pressure on her kids," the palace insider confessed.
MORE: Kate Middleton and Prince William Only Dress Son Prince George in Shorts — Find out Why!
Luckily, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge likely have some time before they take over the British throne. "It’s well-known that the Queen will never abdicate the throne, and at 91, she is in great health. She intends to live to at least 100!" the royal source added.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Prince William, and all things royal!
Does Kate Middleton Get Botox? Our Experts Weigh In! (EXCLUSIVE)