King Charles III and Prince William(Image: Getty Images) King Charles has called his current cancer battle a “frightening experience” as Prince William prepares to take the reigns.

Prince William’s role as heir apparent has never been more pressing with King Charles still undergoing cancer treatment and uncertainty over his long-term health. 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, reports the Mirror. “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.

Prince William with his father King Charles (Image: Chris Jackson, Getty Images) 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. “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. 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.

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 said: “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.