As 2023 comes to a close, Prince William and Kate Middleton are ready to put the past behind them and move into the new year with their eyes on the future of the British royal family. The Prince and Princess of Wales took on new responsibilities, fended off rumors, and dealt with family drama in front and behind the scenes over the course of the last few years. Now, the royal couple has only one thing front-of-mind as they embrace the year ahead.

"They aren't looking back," a friend of Kate shared in an exclusive interview with People. The Princess of Wales is, per the source, "very focused on what matters going forward." Furthermore, it seems the Prince and Princess of Wales have no interest in revisiting the recent past. "She's moved on, and William has too," the insider said.

Among the changes that occurred within the royal family over the course of the last few years, William and Kate's rise as significant working royals was quite swift. Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from the United Kingdom in 2020 and their subsequent dramatic step back as working royals, William and Kate took on a slew of new responsibilities. Then, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the couple assumed the roles of Prince and Princess of Wales, adding to their royal duties and list of engagements.

As a couple and independently, Kate and William have taken on quite a lot. Kate recently hosted Westminster Abbey's Christmas carol service for the third year in a row, and William's Earthshot Prize initiative continues to generate interest in the fight to slow down the impact of climate change. All the while, the couple is raising their three young children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - and including them in public royal outings and engagements.

The Prince and Princess of Wales clearly have a lot on their plate. We can only imagine how much their responsibilities will grow in the year ahead. For now, they seem focused on the future and ready to bid farewell to the drama of the past.

While their Christmas plans with the extended royal family are set, this year Prince William and Kate Middleton will be taking a break. The couple remains committed to their duties but has chosen to spend the holiday season with a more intimate gathering.

As they move into the new year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continue to carry out their royal duties with grace and determination. We can expect to see them make significant contributions in various areas, from charitable endeavors to environmental advocacy. With their continued focus on the future, the British royal family can count on Prince William and Kate Middleton to carry the torch forward and represent the monarchy with pride and dedication.