King Charles’ Thoughts on Abdicating the Throne Revealed Amid Health Struggles
After King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was made public, public concern grew about whether he would take a step back from his duties and abdicate the throne. Putting those headlines to rest, a royal expert has suggested that the monarch is highly ‘unlikely’ to do so. Charles ascended the throne in 2022 at the age of 73, following the death of Queen Elizabeth, making him the oldest person to be a sovereign in UK history. While he briefly scaled back on engagements due to his health struggles, he is now back to his tight schedule, refusing to slow down.
The year 2024 was quite tough for the royals due to Charles and Princess Kate’s cancer diagnoses. This prompted Prince William to take on more responsibilities while his father and wife underwent chemotherapy. In early January 2025, the Princess announced that she was in remission. The focus then shifted to the King, who had stayed silent on the type of cancer he had. By the end of 2025, however, Charles shared the ‘good news’ that due to early diagnosis and advanced cancer care, he would be able to reduce his treatment in the new year. He has remained quite active since, with several key engagements and a possible US tour scheduled in 2026.
Those close to the monarch suggest that he is focused on serving his country for as long as he is physically able to do so. A source told Royal Insider, “King Charles is most likely to do all he can to continue serving, dedicating himself to duty.” That determination mirrors that of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, the long-reigning monarch of Britain. Even Queen Camilla was worried that, despite being ‘exhausted,’ Charles resisted slowing down. But was his decision to persevere driven solely by duty? Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich has a theory that would reopen painful memories the monarchy has worked hard to move beyond.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Fordwich pointed towards the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936, who stepped down to marry the twice-divorced socialite Wallis Simpson, a defining moment for the Crown. She suggested that Charles look at that ‘constitutional crisis’ as a cautionary tale and wants to avoid it at any cost. Fordwich further noted that while William and Kate have been “readying to assume leadership roles,” it reflects preparation rather than an imminent transfer of power. She opined, “Given his mother’s values, King Charles is most likely to do all he can to continue serving, dedicating himself to duty.” With his health now improving, it looks like Charles won't be stepping down from the throne anytime soon.
His dedication to duty was also observed recently when he broke Queen Elizabeth’s long-standing traditions. The late Queen used to stay at Sandringham until February 6 to mark the death anniversary of her father, King George VI. But Charles returned to London in early January, jumping straight back to work. In fact, this was the third consecutive year he has done so since becoming King in 2022.