Amid the health concerns surrounding King Charles, speculation has arisen regarding Prince William's potential role as the monarch's regent. The Palace disclosed earlier this year that His Majesty is battling a form of cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.
This development has heightened discussions about the possibility of Prince William, the Prince of Wales, stepping in as regent, a position entailing the duties of the monarch for a ruler unable to perform their responsibilities due to health or other reasons.
Tina Brown, a former editor of Vanity Fair and author of "The Diana Chronicles," suggested that the health issues of King Charles bring Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, closer to their prospective royal ascendancy. However, this proximity to the throne is reportedly a source of significant anxiety for them.
"The news of Charles's cancer has put William and Catherine in frightening proximity to ascending the throne... The prospect of it, I am told, is causing them intense anxiety," Brown stated in an article for The New York Times.
The situation also reportedly affects other members of the royal family, such as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who are said to be "very upset" over their perceived exclusion from undertaking royal engagements during this critical period.
Tom Sykes, a royal correspondent for The Daily Beast, relayed insights from insiders about the challenges a slimmed-down monarchy might face, especially if King Charles and Princess Kate were to step back from their duties due to health reasons.
Amid these speculations, opinions on Prince William's readiness for the throne are mixed. Amanda Matta, a royal watcher, expressed skepticism about his preparedness for kingship in a correspondence with Business Insider, while Kristen Meinzer, another commentator, believes the public would warmly receive Prince William as king.
"He's ready. And the public would embrace him - embrace him more readily, in fact, than they're currently embracing Charles," Meinzer shared with Insider.
Prince William, however, continues to demonstrate commitment to his royal obligations amidst the family's health battles. At a recent dinner for the London Air Ambulance Charity Gala, he humorously acknowledged the "medical" focus of recent times and expressed gratitude for the public support for both his wife and father.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all," he remarked, highlighting his resilience and dedication during challenging times.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry is anticipated to confront the possibility of reuniting with Prince William during his forthcoming visit to the UK for the Invictus Games 10th Anniversary Service, according to royal commentators. The event, scheduled for May 8 at St. Paul's Cathedral, has listed Prince Harry as a guest, though his attendance has yet to be officially confirmed.
Amid speculations about the dynamics within the Royal Family, Harry has expressed a desire to mend fences after a period of estrangement, heightened by King Charles's recent cancer diagnosis. However, discussions about Prince Harry's trip have focused not only on a potential visit with his father but also on whether he will interact with Prince William.
The brothers' relationship has been notably strained, with tensions exacerbated by allegations made in Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," including a claim of a physical altercation between them.
Tom Quinn, a royal author, shared insights with the Mirror, emphasizing the significance of Harry's participation in the Invictus Games, an event closely associated with the Duke of Sussex. Quinn posited that avoiding the UK visit, and by extension, an encounter with William, would necessitate considerable explanation due to public scrutiny.
"Barring a major upset, Harry will certainly return to the UK for the Invictus games in May – it's his baby. If he decides not to come, it will take some explaining, because everyone will assume it's because he doesn't want the awkwardness of having to meet his brother or having to choose not to meet him," Quinn remarked.
Furthermore, Quinn suggested that any attempt to bypass family meetings would not convince the public or media observers. "Not coming would be worse than finding some sort of compromise where Harry sees William for 10 minutes or comes up with some reason why he doesn't have time to see his brother and his father and has to get back to the States quickly to be with his children. But no one is going to be fooled by these excuses," he explained.
As Prince Harry prepares for the Invictus Games anniversary, the global audience and Royal Family watchers are closely monitoring developments, anticipating the outcomes of his UK visit and the potential for reconciliation within the Royal Family, especially with his only brother, Prince William.
