Prince William Will Take On Charles' Kingly Duties Amid Cancer Treatment, Royal Historian Predicts
Prince William could step up to take on many of King Charles III's duties as the British monarch while his father undergoes cancer treatment, a royal historian has predicted.
While no Counsellor of State has officially been appointed to act as regent for King Charles in the wake of his cancer diagnosis, royal expert Kelly Swaby told 9Honey that the Prince of Wales could act on behalf of his father at events without an official declaration.
Termed as a "soft regency," this unofficial arrangement may see Prince William undertaking ceremonial tasks typically reserved for the sovereign.
"It's called a 'soft regency,' where it isn't official, but we have an heir to the throne performing most of the duties that are usually the duties of the sovereign," Swaby said.
Swaby drew parallels to a similar period during Queen Elizabeth II's later years when then-Prince Charles took on a more visible role due to his mother's health constraints.
"The Queen was the boss, but he was kind of doing all the day-to-day things. We may see that for a while [now, with Prince William]," the royal historian suggested.
Swaby noted that while "it's not an official regency" for Prince William, it would be "a bit of a step up from being Counsellor of State."
Counsellors of State can fulfill constitutional duties for the monarch if they are absent or unwell. Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice, Princess Anne and Prince Edward currently hold the position.
Robert Hazell, founder and director of the constitution unit at University College London, also suggested that the royal family could adopt a soft regency if King Charles becomes "seriously infirm."
"As Prince Charles did during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William could preside at the state opening of parliament and take the lead on Remembrance Sunday and for Trooping the Colour. He already takes investitures. He could take over the diplomatic business of receiving incoming and outgoing ambassadors and state visits," Hazell wrote in a blog post.
Buckingham Palace announced earlier this month that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and would postpone public-facing duties.
Despite King Charles' health-related hiatus, Buckingham Palace has not announced plans to appoint Counsellors of State at this time, People reported.
The Palace assured that the monarch would continue working behind the scenes, handling official documents and receiving daily "red boxes" containing pertinent state information.
It remains uncertain when he will resume public engagements.
An unnamed source close to the royal household told People that King Charles doesn't want to let Prince William take on too many responsibilities and "put that pressure" on him.
According to the royal insider, the King does not want to burden his son as he focuses on supporting his wife, Kate Middleton, during her recovery from abdominal surgery.
Prince William temporarily withdrew from public duties to care for Middleton and their three children following her surgery.
Kensington Palace indicated that the Princess of Wales was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter based on medical advice.
Prince William resumed public duties on Feb. 7, conducting investitures at Windsor Castle and attending London's Air Ambulance Charity gala dinner.
