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In recent months, the royal family has been quietly grappling with a concerning reality - the deteriorating health of King Charles and his ongoing battle with cancer. Despite efforts from Buckingham Palace to downplay the severity of King Charles's illness, reports from insiders suggest that preparations are already underway for the possibility of a shift in the monarchy.
During his summer break at Balmoral, the king's several decisions have sparked rumors that his health is deteriorating, causing concern for Princess Catherine and Prince William. King Charles has taken on a reduced schedule of public engagements during his stay in Scotland. He has also delegated some of his customary duties, such as greeting cruise ships, to other senior royals.
The Constitution Unit at UCL, the country's most reliable source on matters concerning the monarchy, has published a Q&A explaining what would happen in scenarios ranging from a "halfway house" where William could take on more duties to a full regency. In a full regency, Prince William would assume the duties and responsibilities of King but Charles would still hold the title of King.
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At the most recent investitures, where people are awarded honors by the monarch, Prince William looked a little thinner and more care-worn than usual. As the military band played the national anthem, he blinked rapidly with a furrowed brow over the strains of "God Save the King." The tune is familiar to William but the key words of "King" are still new to the nation following the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
While I disagree that William would replace his father at engagements as that could cause alarm or criticism, moments of national crisis are when the monarch is expected to be present and carry out their duties. As King Charles continues fulfilling his scheduled public engagements under the watchful eye of his doctors, he does not appear frail. Over the past few months, he has warmly greeted all those who have met him.
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If courtiers are unhappy with Charles's pace, then spare a thought for Camilla, who is not bothered to hide her frustration with her husband. At a recent visit to the Dyson Cancer Center, she was asked how Charles was doing and replied "Yes, he's doing very well." At another event, she said the king was getting better but added jokingly "Well, he would be if he behaved himself." Two months ago, at a book event, Her Majesty told bestselling author Lee Child that the king is "doing fine but won’t slow down and won’t do what he’s told."
For the last 7 months, the 75-year-old monarch has been receiving unspecified cancer treatment for an unspecified form of cancer. However, it’s not all “Paisley PJ time” for the sovereign, according to a palace source. They said Charles "is not one to sit around doing nothing, so relaxing for him takes the form of reading, writing, painting and gardening. He’s always loved throwing on Wellies and getting out in the garden. It’s his happy place." This paints a picture of an active, contemplative Renaissance man.
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However, there are concerns about King Charles' workload in the coming months. He might only be a “wet behind the ears” monarch marking two years on the throne, but he is also a man approaching 80 who is battling a very serious illness. In addition, he is preparing to undertake an extensive program of international state visits this fall. Those around him are already fretting about his packed schedule.
The speculation around King Charles's health has been compounded by the fact that he has not reduced his schedule despite the rigorous demands of his cancer treatment. New details from well-connected insiders reveal that King Charles is not exactly residing at the 167-room Balmoral Castle as many would expect. Instead, he and Queen Camilla are staying at their private home, Birkhall, where they spent much of the pandemic. This move has heightened concern among royal watchers about the king's well-being, especially given reports that he's sleeping a lot and is visibly unwell. While the palace has been tight-lipped about specifics of his illness, the lack of official updates has only fueled public concern and media speculation.
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As King Charles fights his personal battle with cancer, the future of the British monarchy hangs in the balance. The royal family's summer at Balmoral has underscored the gravity of the situation. Prince William and the rest of the royal family brace themselves for whatever lies ahead. Meanwhile, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for the king's recovery while also preparing for the possibility of change at the highest levels of the monarchy. Charles's health issues have raised real questions about whether he will be able to continue shouldering the great responsibilities and duties of a constitutional monarch. Only time will tell how events will unfold, but the kingdom is now facing unprecedented uncertainty.
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