Overview
- The 76-year-old monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer in February 2024 and has been undergoing treatment since early 2025.
- Recent images from a Natural History Museum reception tied to COP30 prompted public concern, with royal author Tom Sykes describing an apparent decline.
- Rob Shuter’s ShuterScoop quoted an unnamed senior courtier claiming the Palace is “quietly preparing William to step up—fast.”
- Earlier reporting in Harper’s Bazaar stated there were no plans for King Charles to abdicate, though long-standing succession planning has positioned Prince William to take on greater responsibility sooner than expected.
- King Charles recently told a patient “I’m not too bad” during a hospital visit, and Prince William said on The Reluctant Traveler that “everything is progressing in the right way.”