William Is Reportedly ‘Ready’ to Take the Throne as Charles’ Cancer Acts as a ‘Stark Reminder’
Less than a year after ascending the throne, King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024. Despite the life-threatening diagnosis, the monarch has continued carrying out royal engagements with few breaks, raising growing concerns about his health. Reflecting on Charles’s ongoing battle, royal expert Katie Nicholl believes Prince William’s ascension to the throne ‘may not be too far,’ given the uncertainty surrounding his father’s illness. She noted that the Prince is prepared to become King should the unfortunate situation arise.
In a conversation with The Mirror, Nicholl opined, "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." The expert suggested that William and Kate Middleton are, now, very ‘aware’ of their roles and ‘phenomenal state power’ after Trump's state visit. She continued, "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."
Despite William’s preparation to ascend the throne, Nicholl stressed that the Prince of Wales loves his father and wants him to be around longer. Echoing her beliefs, royal expert Duncan Larcombe explained how William and Middleton would become the new and popular faces of the monarchy. He opined, "William and Kate are at the forefront of the Firm.They have a pivotal role in ensuring continuity and calm, when at times there’s been anything but that behind the scenes." Nicholl agreed with Larcombe on the couple's growing popularity, adding, "Look at the way they engage, the causes they champion, and the support they receive. They’re not aloof or living in an ivory tower, and I think they will be forward-thinking, modern, relatable – and loved."
In a break from royal tradition, which requires monarchs to maintain privacy, Charles has not been afraid to open up about the uncertainty his cancer brings during various public engagements. During a four-day state visit to Italy on April 7, Queen Camilla shared that Charles loved his work and that it kept him going. She added, "I think it’s wonderful, if you’ve been ill and you are recovering, getting better… now he wants to do more and more and more." There, the King also quipped about his own mortality when planting a tree in Rome. He said, "Well, I do hope I shall live long enough to see a little bit of growth in the tree."
Last month, on August 14, a source revealed the severity of Charles’s cancer, and claimed that William and Prince Harry would sort out their differences soon. They told Parade magazine, "King Charles’ health has been deteriorating more and more. It wouldn’t be surprising if Prince William and Prince Harry reconnected a bit more over this. This could be the thing that pushes it to happen." While the King has bravely shared his cancer diagnosis, he preferred to keep the specific type of cancer he has private.