February 6th 2024.
The crown prince, William, is likely to step in and fulfill his father's duties while King Charles undergoes treatment for cancer. After a brief hiatus, the Prince of Wales returned to his official engagements this week, with Kensington Palace announcing the news just hours before Buckingham Palace shared the update on the king's health.
Initially, it was thought that William, who is 41 years old, would continue to stay away from public duties for a longer period of time as his wife, Kate, is recovering from major surgery. However, with the announcement of his return, the monarchy hopes to convey a sense of stability despite facing health challenges.
The Princess of Wales, Kate, is expected to be out of action until after Easter. The duration of the king's absence from public duties is still uncertain. However, despite his illness, the hardworking Charles will continue to work behind the scenes, dealing with his famous red boxes and holding his weekly audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Privy Council meetings, which can be done remotely.
During the king's treatment for cancer, it is likely that Prince William will take on some of his father's public duties. In fact, he has already been fulfilling some of the roles, such as attending church in Sandringham on Sunday and carrying out an investiture at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
There are five "counsellors of state" who can step in and carry out royal duties if King Charles is unable to fulfill his role. Prince William is one of these counsellors, but it is hoped that their intervention will not be necessary.
The royal couple had planned to visit Canada in May and attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, along with trips to Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa. However, Charles' illness may result in a change of plans, and William may have to deputize for his father, who is the head of the Commonwealth.
There are also upcoming events where William may play a key role, such as the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March and the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June. He will also attend the London Air Ambulance annual fundraising evening gala in his role as patron of the charity.
Both of Charles' sons, William and Harry, were informed of his condition before the public announcement. Despite their strained relationship, Harry plans to fly to the UK to be with his father during this difficult time. Meanwhile, William has grown closer to his father in the wake of Harry's controversial interviews and memoir, which have caused a rift within the family.
It is not yet known if William will meet with his brother during his trip to London, as their ongoing feud continues. However, the royal family remains united in their support for King Charles and his recovery from cancer.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
