2017 appears poised to be a big year for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Towards the end of last year it was reported that Prince George was enrolled to begin at Wetherby School, William’s alma mater, in Notting Hill, sparking theories that the Cambridge family was preparing to move back to London after spending the last few years primarily at Anmer House in Norfolk. Now, news has come out that William will be leaving his job as a pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance to take up full-time duties as a  member of the royal family.

While it’s unclear whether William is actually as “reluctant” to be a full-time royal as it’s been reported, this is certainly a move that has been delayed for years, at least as compared to previous generations. And with George due to begin school and the Duke turning 35 this June, this seems to be as good a time as any to make the transition.

According to an article published by the Sunday Times earlier this morning, William is “wary” to overshadow his father, and while there will be an uptick in the number of engagements he takes on, he will be cognizant not to overshadow the work of the Prince of Wales. I thought that was interesting, and in line with a consideration I laid out in an earlier post here.

The Times reports:

William is believed to be acutely conscious that his emergence as a full-time royal should not overshadow his father’s role as heir to the throne. One friend said: “Some people may question why William still won’t do as much as Princess Anne but he is dead set on not queering his father’s pitch. He sees that Charles will probably be in his seventies before he becomes king and he doesn’t want to be seen as elbowing his father out the way.”

This news complemented reports that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to make an announcement on Tuesday, January 17 regarding their ambitions for their joint charitable endeavor with Prince Harry, “Heads Together.” This effort began last year in the hopes reducing stigma around mental health issues and highlighting existing organizations providing support in this arena. At the time, William, Kate and Harry said they were beginning a listening and learning tour, so it will be interesting to see what has come to fruition in the time since.

And on a lighter note, The Sun is reporting that Meghan Markle, Suits actress and girlfriend of Prince Harry, has officially been introduced to Kate. According to the article:

“It went really well and Meghan was very excited about meeting her.”

Harry and Meghan had just returned to London from their first romantic holiday to see the Northern Lights in Norway.

Meghan, 35, had already met Prince William two months ago at Kensington Palace while Kate was still at their Norfolk home Anmer Hall.

But after celebrating her 35th birthday there on Monday, she travelled down to London on Tuesday for the meeting.

[…]

The pal added: “Harry and Meghan went over to Kate’s apartment in Kensington Palace.

“William was also there and she got to play with Charlotte who she just adored.

“Meg had bought Kate a small birthday present – a very smart leather-bound ‘dream diary’ for her thoughts and ideas which Kate loved.

“This just shows how serious Harry is.

“He wants to take their relationship to the next level.