No one expected the royal family to be in such a precarious position less than one year after King Charles III’s coronation. Yet Charles and Kate Middleton’s cancer battles require every working royal to reconfigure what life at the palace looks like, and it’s reportedly created a very surprising alliance.

The days of the “wicked stepmother” might be over for Prince William, who allegedly has grown closer to Queen Camilla over their spouses’ health crises. “William, I believe, has seen the value of Queen Camilla, especially at a time like this when she has been stalwart in supporting King Charles not only at home but also dramatically increasing the public engagements she has attended,” royal expert Ian Pelham told Fox New Digital.

Camilla has continued to show “her dedication to Charles and the monarchy” over the decades and the Prince of Wales has taken notice. “[Camilla’s] ability and commonsense approach has made William come to terms with his father’s decision to marry the woman he has loved since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales,” added Pelham. It’s a time to set aside any differences despite the deep wounds that remain from Charles’ betrayal and the loss of Princess Diana in 1997.

“Seeing Camilla so dedicated to duty, he has developed a most accepting and indeed tender relationship with her,” royal expert Hilary Fordwich told the outlet. “Visible on many occasions, such as his father’s coronation and recently at a public engagement, their formerly strained relationship [has been put aside]… to support the king and Princess Catherine.”

Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, revealed how both he and his older brother felt about Camilla marrying their dad and they “begged” him to reconsider. Royal author Christopher Andersen believes the harmony will be short-lived, though. “Will William and Camilla ever be truly close? I sincerely doubt it,” Andersen explained. “As Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin Margaret Rhodes once told me, relationships inside the palace ‘aren’t cozy. But the family wasn’t set up to be cozy.’” He pointed out that the current alliance is nothing more than William and Camilla sharing “the burden that has unexpectedly been thrust upon him while his father and Kate recuperate.” It may be a short-term situation, but hopefully they can offer each other the caregiver support they need at such a difficult time.