February month reports emerged that King Charles III, 75, had been diagnosed with cancer. The British king’s illness has prompted Buckingham Palace to consider how to transfer power and what steps should be taken before funeral.
Everyone close to Charles expected him to reign for many years. Because his parents lived into their 90s. Rumor has it that his cancer has progressed.
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According to doctor, tumor cells have started to develop, and metastatic cancer is harder to treat, especially in older patients.
King Charles III’s funeral began almost immediately after his coronation, reported by The Daily Beast. Simon Morgan, former royal security officer, revealed that operation code-named “Menai Bridge,” after suspension bridge in Wales.
This plan mirrors the preparation for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, called “London Bridge,” which had been in place for 22 years before her passing.
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Buckingham Palace has a clear protocol in place for when King Charles III passes away. On that day, his family and the UK Prime Minister will be informed first.
Then news will be shared with Commonwealth countries and other nations where he served as monarch. Press Association journalists and the public will learn about his death last.
The public will see an address from next king on national TV. UK will enter period of national mourning until the funeral, with the day of King Charles’ passing known as “D-Day.”
After King Charles III’s death throne will pass to his eldest son, Prince William. The Mirror reports that William has already taken on some of his father’s royal duties.
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William represented Charles at official events, such as meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and ceremonies marking the anniversary of the D-Day landings. Sources say King Charles was pleased to have his son stand in for him.
Just days after news of his illness, King Charles appointed new personal secretary, former diplomat Ian Patrick. According to The Daily Beast, signals William’s desire to increase his international influence.
Prince William had to pause some of his duties due to his wife Kate Middleton’s health issues. Kate was diagnosed with cancer, and William stepped back from public life and foreign trips for several months to care for her.
Kate won her battle with illness and completed her chemotherapy in September. William has since returned to his royal duties.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry was not involved in the succession planning or the “Menai Bridge” operation, as The Daily Beast reports.
After the release of his controversial memoir Spare, where he openly discussed family secrets and his relationship with his parents and brother, trust in Harry diminished.
Buckingham Palace reportedly keeps sensitive information from him, fearing he might share it with journalists out of resentment towards his father.
Despite Harry’s past decision to step down from royal duties in 2020, he could still technically claim the throne. But as recent events suggest, he would face strong opposition from the palace. In August 2024, Harry’s “His Royal Highness” title was removed from the royal family’s website.
King Charles III has reportedly grown warmer towards his younger son. Daily Beast insider believes Harry has better chance of mending his relationship with his father than with his brother William, who set to take the throne.
Charles wants to bring Harry back into the family, but Queen Consort Camilla and William are advising him against it. This why allegedly, no meeting took place between King Charles and Harry during Harry’s recent visit to the UK.
William reportedly believes Meghan Markle has turned Harry against the family. Rumors suggest William considers them both “unwelcome figures” at Buckingham Palace.