Buckingham Palace released today a startling announcement: King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. The malignancy was discovered while he was treated a few days ago for an enlarged prostate.
While the official text doesn't give many details, it does make a point of clarifying that the cancer has nothing to do with the prostate and adding that the King "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."
Worrisome news from the British monarchy
"Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed," said the Palace. "His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence."
It added that King Charles is receiving expert care and "looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."
The news arrives amid concerning rumors about the wellbeing of another key royal figure, Princess Kate. She has been absent from the public eye since December, reportedly due to serious health concerns. The palace said that she was hospitalized for 10 days due to an abdominal surgery.
According to Spanish journalist Concha Calleja, Kate Middleton was put in an induced coma, and her life "was in great danger" after her abdominal surgery. This has been dismissed as "total nonsense" and "fundamentally, totally made-up" by Palace sources. However, the Princess hasn't been seen since December 28th. She was discharged from the hospital on January 29, 2024.
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What happens if Charles III can't be King
Buckingham Palace said that Charles III will keep "with paperwork and private meetings as head of state" but has suspended all public functions. Queen Camila will maintain her usual schedule. Considering that Princess Kate is not working and Prince William has limited his obligations to stay with his family, there is an important void of royals at public events that should be filled by other members of the monarchy.
However, it's impossible not to think about what will happen if the King cannot perform his duties.
The order of succession sets out which member of the Royal Family takes over as monarch when the existing one dies or abdicates. First in line—the heir to the throne—is the monarch's eldest child. Since royal succession rules were amended in 2013, sons no longer take precedence over their older sisters.
But, right now, King Charles's heir is his elder son, the Prince of Wales.
William's eldest child, Prince George, is second-in-line to the throne, and his daughter, Princess Charlotte, is third. Her younger brother, Prince Louis, is fourth, and Prince Harry is fifth.
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