Sources close to the British royal family have disclosed that King Charles III, who was diagnosed with cancer in February, is battling pancreatic cancer and has been given a mere two years to live. The news has sent shockwaves through the palace and has prompted a review of the monarch's funeral plans by Buckingham Palace and the British government.
According to Pop Culture, the king's cancer diagnosis is reportedly more severe than the Royal Family has publicly shared. A source told the outlet, "Many courtiers believe Charles' cancer is worse than they're making it out to be. Even before the diagnosis, there were concerns about his health." The situation is said to be "desperate," with the king reportedly "very frail" and the illness "eating him alive."
The news of King Charles' deteriorating health comes at a time when the royal family is already grappling with other challenges. Prince William, the heir to the throne, is reportedly "totally distracted" by his wife Kate Middleton's own cancer diagnosis and the problems in their marriage. The prince is also said to be struggling to control his anger over the ongoing rift with his brother, Prince Harry, and sister-in-law, Meghan Markle.
Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles' cancer diagnosis in February, stating that he would undergo regular treatments and postpone his public duties until further notice. However, sources close to the royals told The Daily Beast that the king "is significantly more unwell than his aides are letting on."
The palace has maintained a tight-lipped approach regarding the monarch's health, with a former staffer revealing, "The plans have been dusted off and are actively being kept up to date. It's no more than what you would expect given the king has been diagnosed with cancer. But the circulation of them has certainly focused minds."
The lack of transparency surrounding King Charles' health has led to speculation and concern among the public. Christopher Andersen, a bestselling royal writer, told The Daily Beast that the absence of clear information will only lead to more "gossip and speculation ... and conspiracy theories."
As the king's health continues to decline, the palace and government are reviewing plans for "Operation Menai Bridge," the purported codeword for his death. The review is being conducted by the Cabinet Office, with an emphasis on learning from the successes and failures of Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022. A military source revealed that planning for the king's funeral "began the day after they buried the queen" due to the numerous intricacies involved, such as the guest list, security threats, and time constraints.
Despite the gravity of the situation, King Charles has continued to attend a few public engagements in an effort to quash rumors and demonstrate his ability to perform his duties as monarch. The king is said to be "following doctors' orders and willing to try any treatment to extend his life by a few years, at least." However, sources indicate that he worries about his legacy and whether Prince William is prepared to assume the throne.
The royal family has remained optimistic about King Charles' condition in public, with Queen Camilla recently stating that he is "doing very well" despite being disappointed about missing an engagement in Northern Ireland. The palace has not provided a formal update on the king's health in weeks, but did issue a statement on March 18 confirming that he is continuing with official private business, in response to reports of his death.
As the nation anxiously awaits further news on King Charles' health, the revelation of his pancreatic cancer diagnosis and limited life expectancy has cast a somber shadow over the monarchy. As the royal family navigates this difficult period, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
