The British royal family will mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death on Friday as continue to navigate life without the long-reigning monarch.
Elizabeth died on Sept. 8 last year, and sources have now told People how the Firm is adapting to life with King Charles III at the head of the British Empire.
“There is an enormous loss,” an insider said. “[The Queen] played a very important part in all of their lives. But I’m impressed at how smoothly things are moving forward given all the little hiccups that there are in the background.”
The past 12 months have been a turbulent time for the Windsor clan, with Prince Harry’s jaw-dropping memoir “Spare” hitting the shelves and King Charles’ ascension and coronation.
The family are set to remember the queen at their summer vacation home, Balmoral Castle, in Scotland this week.
One former palace employee explained that the gathering of the royals at the residence is a “chance to leave your crown on the gatepost and put your raincoat on.”
“When [the royals] walk into a room, I’m sure they expect [the queen] to be there. Balmoral was her favorite place in the world, and now will be the time that they reflect on her loss,” they continued.
On Friday, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be leading public tributes to Elizabeth and Westminster Abbey will be ringing bells in honor of her.
Separate sources told People how the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 41, are stepping up to the plate to take on a more senior role within the institution.
Shortly after the queen’s passing, Charles, 74, bestowed upon the couple the titles of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
“Charles is leading the way for them already, and [William and Kate] are both involved in decision-making behind the scenes. They are ready and willing to do the job — and Kate is very much a part of that,” a pal close to Middleton told the publication.
The former Duke of Cornwall will “provide the best possible platform for William and Kate to go forward,” another insider chimed in.
Middleton has become a royal powerhouse ever since she married William in 2011. She has even been called the true “power behind the throne” and is tough enough to stand by her husband’s side as they take on royal engagements.
True Royalty TV co-founder Nick Bullen dished to Fox News that the mother of three is full of “steeliness” and is a “very strong character.”
“[She] has transitioned from being a young bride to being a key player within the royal family,” he noted.
“She’s now every inch the princess. And I think at the coronation, everyone agreed that she looked very much the next queen,” he said.