Charles & William Game of Thrones

As King Charles continues his cancer battle, plans for his son Prince William to succeed him are underway. Sources shed light on how the inevitable changing of the guard is causing tension behind palace doors

- JAIME HARKIN

On Prince William's final day in Cape Town, South Africa, following his annual Earthshot Prize awards, the royal answered a reporter's question about how the past year has been for him with surprising candidness. "Honestly, it's been dreadful," he confessed. "It's probably been the hardest year in my life." William has been forced to contend with two family health crises as both his father, King Charles III, and his wife, Princess Kate, were diagnosed with cancer in early 2024. "Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult."

William, 42, has done an admirable job of keeping calm and carrying on,and Charles, 76, is especially grateful. In many ways, the king and his heir are closer than ever - but their relationship has also become significantly more complicated as tension over William's approaching succession builds. "The dynamics have shifted," says one source. "Charles has wanted to be the monarch for decades," adds a second source. "Even though he's battling cancer, he's not letting that get in the way of his desire to be successful on the throne or a dynamic leader." William, meanwhile, "is preparing behind the scenes for when his ascension happens," continues the second source. "Like his father, he takes being a success in the royal role very seriously."

Next in Line

The subject of Charles' succession is a delicate one. "It's a sensitive topic, and there's occasional tension," says the first source, noting that conversations about the inevitable changing of the guard are approached with "discretion and purpose." According to the source, William is likely being briefed on things like constitutional matters, government relations and state affairs, as well as transitioning titles and responsibilities.

"The royal household is refining protocols and communications strategies for a smooth transition."