It has been reported that the staff of King Charles III are actively developing his succession plan, raising concerns that his cancer diagnosis might be “more dangerous than we have been led to believe.”
Earlier in February, Charles announced that he was diagnosed with cancer following a hospital admission for an unrelated condition related to an enlarged prostate. The specific kind of cancer remains undisclosed to the public. However, it is understood that the diagnosis was made at an early stage, and the King has since been receiving “regular treatments.”
Tom Quinn, an expert on the Royal Family and author, shared his insights with the Mirror: “Charles is also aware that, as future king, William is at the heart of the succession planning that is taking place right now – officials had assumed Charles would remain healthy at least into his mid-eighties before succession planning would need to begin but in fact it has now begun and indicates perhaps that Charles’ cancer is more dangerous than we have been led to believe.”
Quinn said, “Succession planning is highly secret and no one trusts Harry to be part of it for the simple reason that if he feels in any way slighted or not given what he feels he deserves he will run straight to the media.”
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Reports suggest that the situation has led the King to begin formalizing his succession plans sooner than expected, placing Prince William at the forefront.
The Times U.K. reported sources saying the Duke of Sussex is ready to assume a temporary royal position to support his father during his cancer treatment. However, Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” informed Fox News Digital that Prince William, the next in line for the throne, is unlikely to welcome this proposal.
“Harry is very concerned about his father’s health,” said Andersen. “If it were up to Harry, he would almost certainly pitch in, even if it meant keeping an arm’s length away from William, who is still simmering with rage over Harry’s conduct.”
“Harry wants to do right by his father,” Andersen continued. “He wants to pitch in and lend a hand. That’s his nature. But regardless of how noble Harry’s intentions may be, his rejoining the royal family in any capacity would inevitably stir things up all over again.”
“The British public, which has soured on Harry and [his wife] Meghan in recent years, would be divided over whether he should even be allowed to pick up where he left off.”
“There would be headlines in the tabloids, intense scrutiny of Harry’s every move and endless speculation concerning Meghan’s role. … And let’s be honest, Harry’s stunning recent admission that he is considering becoming a U.S. citizen hardly inspires confidence in what his future might be as a … member of the royal family.”
On February 6, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis was “caught early.” Sunak shared that he was “like everyone else … shocked and sad” upon hearing the news.
“He’ll just be in our thoughts and our prayers,” the prime minister explained.
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King Charles III came to power following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022. Upon her passing, Charles immediately succeeded to the throne as the new monarch of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. His ascension marked the beginning of his reign after being the heir apparent for more than seven decades, the longest in British history.
As the firstborn child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles had been prepared for the role of monarch throughout his life.