Royal lives Update: Princess Beatrice receives new title as she replaces Kate Middleton as the new……See More

“Beatrice will be stepping up the number of engagements she does” in the coming weeks and will have a bigger role within the monarchy as the family’s current health struggles continue.

This isn’t a replacement for Middleton’s role, though— the Us source clarified that Beatrice “will not stand in” for the Princess of Wales, but her newly elevated role will allow her “to help the royals out and be available to do more.” Beatrice’s increased presence comes amid Edward and Sophie similarly stepping up and taking on more royal engagements in light of Middleton and Charles’s cancer. The pair made history last month by filling in for Charles at the 120th anniversary celebration parade Charles doled out new appointments to Queen Camilla, Prince William and Middleton, with none for Edward or Sophie. “[They] knew Charles was getting ready to announce the new honors and he also told William and Kate in advance,” a royal expert told the outlet.

The source continued, “Sophie has been supportive of him during this transitional period and they are really hoping it leads to something bigger and shows they are up to the task. It was disappointing, the snub, but they are still as loyal as ever and know in time this will be rewarded. Charles has done nothing but sing their praises lately and it’s brought them even closer as brothers.”