King Charles’s cancer diagnosis: How Prince William could rise to top job

Given his father’s serious health issues, Prince William’s ascension to the throne could be quicker than previously imagined.

OPINION

IT WAS the news that no one saw coming and another shock health development that has yet again plunged the British monarchy into crisis.

King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, which comes merely months after his glittering coronation, could not have come at a worse time.

It’s no exaggeration to say the slimmed-down monarchy was already grappling with one of its most turbulent times in recent history before the worrying announcement from Buckingham Palace.

The recent double health blow that saw both King Charles and Princess Catherine undergo surgery had already thrown the House of Windsor into disarray.

The latest health news is a major setback for the King’s reign, which has already been marred by bitter infighting and claims that Charles and his heir Prince William are at loggerheads.

The latest blow to hit the monarchy has put the focus on Prince William. Picture: AFP

Despite their united front, Prince William and King Charles have allegedly clashed in the past. Picture: AFP

Given his age, King Charles has been described by some royal watchers as a “caretaker” king whose main aim is to pave the way for Prince William to eventually take the throne.

Royal author Omid Scobie, widely viewed as a mouthpiece for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, tartly claimed in his book Endgame that Prince William viewed his father as merely a “transitional” monarch.

Palace insiders say this notion enrages the famously stubborn Charles, who is keen to make his mark after his record-breaking wait for the throne, which lasted just short of 71 years.

But given his father’s serious health issues, the extent of which are still unknown, could Prince William’s rise to The Firm’s top job be quicker than even he could have possibly imagined?

Prince William, at his graduation, looked to Queen Elizabeth II for advice during his youth. Picture: AP

The future William V is said to be modelling himself on his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose wise counsel proved to be a source of solace when he was a teenager dealing with the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

Despite the fact that William has been preparing for the job his whole life — and has been diligently laying the foundations for his future reign alongside the impeccable Princess Catherine — the timing for any major change is off.

The 41-year-old, who had temporarily dropped royal duties to care for his ailing wife and their three young children, is now under immense pressure and will be forced to pick up more public engagements.

Prince William had taken a break from royal duties to help Princess Catherine in her recovery. Picture: Getty Images

For now, Queen Camilla, the King’s “rock”, is holding the fort in terms of all things royal — a concept that would have been unimaginable in the not-too-distant past.

At this crucial point, when William is being called upon to step up in a huge way, he will be without his own “rock” as Princess Catherine continues her long recovery after abdominal surgery.

Out of action until at least Easter, her steadying and unwavering presence will be sorely missed by the future king.

And then there is Prince Harry, who is making a mercy dash from Los Angeles to be by his father’s side.

The brothers no longer speak after Harry’s tell-all book, explosive interviews and Netflix series left their relationship in tatters.

Family crises can sometimes bring siblings closer or drive them further apart, so time will tell.

Time will also tell whether this latest blow will signal a major shift towards William’s plans for a modernised monarchy — to be known as the Gulielean era — in another history-making moment for the royal family.

Originally published as King Charles’s cancer diagnosis: How Prince William could rise to top job