King Charles has been battling cancer for nearly two years, forcing him to reduce his workload and hand over some responsibilities to his eldest son, Prince William.

The King, who waited more than 70 years to ascend the throne, became monarch at 73. But only a short time later, his illness has sparked debate about whether he should abdicate.

Despite Queen Camilla’s encouragement to slow down, Charles has remained committed to his duties. Still, his condition has required adjustments. At high-profile events abroad, including the reopening of Notre Dame in Paris in 2024, Prince William stepped in for his father.

Prince William Steps Into the Spotlight

Royal expert Tessa Dunlop noted that Charles’ absence at Notre Dame was a “painful” reminder of his limitations. “It must be tough for Charles, a man who waited over seventy years for the big gig, to play second fiddle to his son. Time and again recently, William has grabbed the headlines: in Commando uniform firing a gun, serving Christmas fare to the homeless, and accompanying Catherine during the Emir of Qatar’s state visit. All eyes are always on William and the Waleses,” she said.

While Charles has worked to modernize the monarchy, William and Catherine have been praised for balancing their royal duties with raising their children in as normal an environment as possible. William’s ability to represent his father at official events, while also navigating tensions with Prince Harry and staying grounded as a family man, has convinced many that he is ready to take the crown.