King Charles has been battling cancer for nearly two years, forcing him to reduce his workload and hand over some responsibilities to his eldest son, Prince William.
The King, who waited more than 70 years to ascend the throne, became monarch at 73. But only a short time later, his illness has sparked debate about whether he should abdicate.
Despite Queen Camilla’s encouragement to slow down, Charles has remained committed to his duties. Still, his condition has required adjustments. At high-profile events abroad, including the reopening of Notre Dame in Paris in 2024, Prince William stepped in for his father.
Prince William Steps Into the Spotlight
Royal expert Tessa Dunlop noted that Charles’ absence at Notre Dame was a “painful” reminder of his limitations. “It must be tough for Charles, a man who waited over seventy years for the big gig, to play second fiddle to his son. Time and again recently, William has grabbed the headlines: in Commando uniform firing a gun, serving Christmas fare to the homeless, and accompanying Catherine during the Emir of Qatar’s state visit. All eyes are always on William and the Waleses,” she said.
While Charles has worked to modernize the monarchy, William and Catherine have been praised for balancing their royal duties with raising their children in as normal an environment as possible. William’s ability to represent his father at official events, while also navigating tensions with Prince Harry and staying grounded as a family man, has convinced many that he is ready to take the crown.
“The Crown Will Never Have Felt Closer”
Royal commentator Katie Nicholl recently told The Mirror: “The crown will never have felt closer to the Prince than it does now. His father’s illness has been a stark reminder that it’s his turn next, and it may not be too far in the distant future.”
Echoing this, royal expert Duncan Larcombe stressed that while Charles remains determined to serve, William and Catherine are widely seen as the monarchy’s future. Nicholl added that the couple are “very aware” of their role and how best to use their “phenomenal soft power.”
The Role of Modern Royals
Royal life today extends beyond ceremonies and handshakes. With constant media coverage and the power of social media, every appearance and every word from the Royal Family is scrutinized by the public. William, according to Nicholl, has mastered this modern reality.
“William has mastered that all-important skill of diplomacy, and though he’s visited many politically sensitive areas like the Middle East and Ukraine, he’s never been accused of being overtly political,” she explained. “The aides I’ve spoken to and those who know him best say he is absolutely prepared.”
William and Kate at the Forefront
A significant step toward William and Kate’s future roles is Catherine’s return to public life following her cancer treatment. Her presence strengthens William’s ability to lead and reinforces the couple’s image as the monarchy’s most valuable asset.
“William and Kate are at the forefront of the Firm, and have become the monarchy’s biggest asset,” Larcombe said. “They have a pivotal role in ensuring continuity and calm, when at times there’s been anything but that behind the scenes.”