Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly beginning preparations for the most significant roles of their lives: becoming king and queen.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have navigated a challenging year after Middleton, 42, was diagnosed with cancer following a scheduled abdominal surgery in January.

The princess spent much of the year out of the public eye as she underwent treatment, prompting William to scale back his royal duties to spend more time at home with her.

After Middleton recently announced that she is now cancer-free, the couple has slowly returned to their public responsibilities.

Now, according to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, the pair have started gearing up for William’s eventual ascension to the throne.

“Although the king is fulfilling his duties with his usual resolve, he’s had to accept some limitations during his cancer treatment,” Bedell Smith told *People* magazine.

“As a result, William has taken on additional responsibilities, and both he and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they might have anticipated.”