King Charles waited more than 70 years to ascend the throne, finally becoming monarch after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Yet just a short time into his reign, conversations are already turning toward what comes next—specifically, the future of Prince William as king.
Since Charles’ cancer diagnosis last year, some have speculated whether it’s time for him to step aside and allow William to take over. Though intriguing, one expert insists such a transition won’t happen, saying William should forget any idea of being handed the crown early.
Queen Elizabeth’s passing still stunned many, despite her long reign. Charles, who had prepared his entire life to take the throne, was 73 when he finally did. Unfortunately, his rule was quickly complicated by serious health concerns.
Though he remains in good spirits, Charles’ condition has raised the question of abdication. Some argue that stepping down would allow him to focus on recovery and give the country a more stable leader. But after waiting decades, it’s understandable he’s reluctant to give up what he worked so long for.
A royal source shared with Woman’s Day that Charles had already accepted that his time as king might be brief. “He’s weaker and tires easily, and doctors are urging him to slow down,” the source said. “He’s struggling with whether stepping aside is the noble thing to do.”
Still, Charles has reportedly had private discussions with William about the future. “Some of his plans have had to be handed over. Cancer has changed him,” the insider added. “There’s no one he’d rather spend time with than Camilla, and stepping back could allow more of that.”
While William is being prepared for the throne—just like Charles once was—it’s clear his father intends to continue for as long as possible. Royal commentator Sally Bedell Smith told People that Charles is still working but has had to accept new limits due to treatment. As a result, William and Kate are taking on more responsibilities sooner than expected.
According to GB News, there’s a quiet tension at the palace, as Charles has had to cancel some engagements. William has stepped in to help where needed, and while Kate’s own health issues have taken priority, the shift has allowed the couple to reassess what really matters.
Despite this, abdication remains highly unlikely. “The king will not voluntarily give up the throne,” expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital. Charles waited a lifetime, and tradition does not favor stepping down.
Historically, abdication is rare. The last monarch to do so was Edward VIII in 1936, a move that triggered a constitutional crisis. Royal broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti noted that Charles will likely continue performing his role, even if his workload must be shared—as it was with Queen Elizabeth in her later years.
Still, experts agree Charles should delegate more. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said, “He’s been conditioned to work constantly. But cancer treatment is exhausting, and someone needs to take over parts of his official duties to ease the burden.”
Ultimately, while the monarchy is evolving, King Charles is unlikely to step aside anytime soon. For now, Prince William remains next in line—but his time as king will come later, not now.