King Charles was the oldest person to take the throne in British History in 2022 and as he continues to battle cancer, the monarch has spoken of “daunting and frightening” times

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Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales pose for a photograph ahead of The Diplomatic Reception in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace on December 05, 2023 in London(Image: Getty Images)

With King Charles still undergoing cancer treatment and uncertainty over his long-term health, Prince William’s role as heir apparent has never been more pressing. The King himself has spoken of the “daunting and, at times, frightening experience” faced by cancer patients, a rare personal admission that underlines the gravity of the moment.

“The crown will never have felt closer to the Prince than it does now,” says royal commentator Katie Nicholl. “His father’s illness has been a stark reminder that it’s his turn next, and it may not be too far in the distant future.” Charles, became monarch at 73 in 2022, making him the oldest person in British history to ascend the throne, but was diagnosed with cancer just months later. Although he resumed light duties last year, he was hospitalised again this March after suffering adverse side effects from treatment.

Ahead of the 20th Wedding Anniversary of Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday 9th April 2025. Camilla is said to want her husband to ease back on official commitments (Image: Getty Images for Buckingham Palace)

The scare was described as a “minor bump in the road”, but the King’s determination to press on has been clear. Queen Camilla is known to want her husband to ease back on official commitments, but when asked recently if he might take it easier she replied, “Dream on.” Speaking during the couple’s four-day state visit to Italy in April, Camilla added, “He loves his work and it keeps him going.

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“I think it’s wonderful, if you’ve been ill and you are recovering, getting better… now he wants to do more and more and more. That’s the problem.” On the last day of the trip, Charles appeared to refer to his own mortality when planting a tree in Rome. “Well, I do hope I shall live long enough to see a little bit of growth in the tree,” he said.

Britain’s Prince George of Wales, Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales and Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive for a tea party organised for Second World War (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Regardless of his father’s determination to keep going, William’s responsibilities have grown in recent months – with Kate also re-emerging to support her husband at key events.

“William and Kate are at the forefront of the Firm, and have become the monarchy’s biggest asset,” says royal expert Duncan Larcombe. “They have a pivotal role in ensuring continuity and calm, when at times there’s been anything but that behind the scenes.”

In December 2024, William deputised for the King at the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, during which he had a private meeting with US President-elect, Donald Trump to discuss the relationship between the UK and the US.

King Charles III and Prince William, Prince of Wales salute after the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive for the State Banquet for President of France Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Image: Getty Images)

In April, he attended the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome in place of Charles. Protocol dictates that the sovereign does not attend funerals of foreign religious or political leaders, but William held his own as he joined world politicians and dignitaries for the ceremony, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

In July, William and Kate welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at RAF Northolt ahead of their state visit, before supporting Charles and Camilla at a state banquet at Windsor Castle, overseen by chef Raymond Blanc. William and Kate also played a vital part in President Trump and First Lady Melania’s state visit, and as Katie tells us, “They are very aware of their roles now, and how best to utilise their phenomenal soft power.

“William has mastered that all-important skill of diplomacy, and though he’s visited many politically sensitive areas like the Middle East and Ukraine, he’s never been accused of being overtly political.” Having demonstrated the qualities needed for any king-in-waiting, Katie believes William is more than equipped for what lies ahead. “The aides I’ve spoken to and those who know him best say he is absolutely prepared.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Prince George join Second World War veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace following the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025 (Image: Getty Images)

Of course, it’s not a moment he wants to think about. He loves his father and wants him to be around for a long time, but when the time comes, he will be ready.” When that day does finally arrive, William will be keen to dial down the pomp. “I’m trying to do it differently and I’m trying to do it for my generation,” he said while in South Africa last November.

“I’m doing it with maybe a smaller ‘R’ in the royal, if you like, that’s maybe a better way of saying it.” No doubt influenced by his father, his focus as king will be on compassion and the wellbeing of everyone, and he added, “It’s more about impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people.

And I’m also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do. It helps impact people’s lives. And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world.” William’s hopes for a fairer society are perhaps most evident through his Homewards initiative, which seeks to eradicate homelessness in Britain. “I passionately believe that it can, and should, be ended,” he has said.

“I think everyone having a right to a safe and stable home benefits us all.” William has also begun preparing George for his future. The second-in-line turned 12 in July and is becoming more visible at royal events.

“William has the sense to know that the public need to fall in love with George as a youngster. He has to have a presence, and he can’t be kept under lock and key and only introduced when he’s 18. At the same time, William doesn’t want George to have the same level of exposure he and Prince Harry had as kids, so it has to be done very carefully.”

Prince George of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales speak with Second World War veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025(Image: Getty Images)

In May, George joined his parents and other senior royals at a Palace tea party for Second World War veterans. Showing a maturity beyond his years, he listened attentively and shook hands politely with guests, including 99-year-old Dougie Hyde, who commented. “I was very impressed with the lad’s interest.” But Duncan believes there will inevitably be tricky conversations between father and son. “How do you explain it to a 12-year-old? William is the only person on the planet who knows how George might be feeling and what it’s like to be in his situation.

“Their closeness will be invaluable as George tries to process the fact he isn’t quite normal. He’s going to be king, he will be front page news all his life – that would be hard for anyone to get their head around, let alone a boy of his age.” But for now, the focus remains on William, and Duncan says, “From what I know of him, I think his desire is to be the ‘People’s King’, like his mother was the ‘People’s Princess’.”

Despite the furore around Diana’s death in 1997, Duncan says popular opinion has changed. “Back then it seemed the royal family was crumbling, and the public were asking, ‘Are we going to put up with these people any more?’ But William and Kate are the future, and I have no doubt they’ll move the monarchy onwards.”

 The Prince and Princess of Wales attend a tea party hosted by The King, Patron of the Royal British Legion, and The Queen for veterans and members of the Second World War generation. (Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

The couple have the highest approval rating of all current royals, and Katie says their reign will be extremely popular. “Look at the way they engage, the causes they champion and the support they receive,” she says. “They’re not aloof or living in an ivory tower, and I think they will be forward-thinking, modern, relatable – and loved.