Since King Charles III publicly announced his cancer diagnosis on February 5, 2024, much of the royal family’s internal dynamics have shifted. While the king is fighting his illness valiantly, there’s a growing sense within royal circles that preparations for the reign of King William V have already begun, creating friction among family members.
When Charles ascended the throne, many expected him to follow in the footsteps of his long-lived parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who lived to 96 and 99, respectively. But the king’s diagnosis, though not specified publicly, has led many to question how long he can remain on the throne, despite his impressive resilience. As Charles prepares for a major trip to Australia, few could have imagined this possibility when his illness was first revealed.
The British medical community is pulling out all the stops to treat the king, using cutting-edge treatments alongside Charles’ favored natural remedies. But even if he achieves full remission, his decision to break centuries of royal tradition by announcing his illness has set the stage for what courtiers call a “change of reign,” putting the transition to King William V in motion earlier than anticipated.
In private, the royal family was told the seriousness of Charles’ condition, which explains why Prince Harry flew from California to meet his father just three days after the announcement. Prince William also began taking steps toward a larger global role, appointing a new private secretary to prepare for his future responsibilities. However, William’s plans were temporarily sidelined when his wife, Kate, was diagnosed with cancer, forcing him to step back from the spotlight.
With Kate now in recovery, William is resuming his royal duties and has recently gained a higher profile than his father, who has been conserving his strength. William is set to embark on international travel again in November for the Earthshot Awards in South Africa, a high-profile event.
For Harry, his father’s illness poses additional challenges. The likelihood of reconciling with the royal family diminishes as William’s influence grows. Sources close to Harry suggest he hoped to repair his fractured relationship with the royal institution under his father’s reign. However, with William expected to ascend the throne sooner than originally thought, Harry’s chances of a meaningful return to the fold appear slim.
Unlike Harry, Meghan Markle seems content with her distance from the royal family, but Harry reportedly wishes to move past the ongoing family conflict and rebuild his reputation. Insiders believe that Harry initially thought he had years to mend fences with his father, but William’s ascension could complicate any chance of reconciliation.
The power shift within the family is already evident. William and Kate recently released a polished Instagram video announcing Kate’s recovery from cancer, featuring her parents rather than King Charles. The video, which wasn’t approved by the king, symbolizes the increasing authority being passed to William and Kate.
While discussing the death of a reigning monarch is sensitive, it’s also a matter of public interest, given the hereditary nature of the British monarchy. As King Charles continues his health battle, the royal family’s internal struggles over the future reign are becoming increasingly clear.