Recent medical procedures for King Charles III and Princess Kate Middleton are raising concerns about the future of the British monarchy, leaving experts to question the viability of a “slimmed down” royal family.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on Wednesday, expressed concerns about the current line of succession, stating, “It shows you don’t want a ‘slimmed down’ monarchy. Only four [people] are under 70 as it is.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed earlier that Charles, 75, will undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate. While the condition is described as “benign,” Charles will postpone public engagements during his recovery. Meanwhile, Kate, 42, underwent planned abdominal surgery and is recuperating in a London hospital.
Prince William, 41, has canceled upcoming appearances to support his wife and manage additional childcare responsibilities for their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
Charles, upon ascending the throne in September 2022, expressed a desire to reduce the number of senior working royals. Currently, only Charles and Queen Camilla, William and Kate, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Duchess Sophie carry out official public duties. With Charles, William, and Kate temporarily out of commission, concerns arise about potential issues in fulfilling royal duties.
Fitzwilliams highlighted the role of Counsellors of State, with William being one, who could stand in for the monarch in case of incapacity. However, Fitzwilliams noted that Counsellors of State, including Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, are unlikely to take over due to their status as non-senior working royals.
Andrew, 63, was stripped of his titles in 2022 following a sexual assault scandal, while Harry, 39, stepped down in 2020 with wife Meghan Markle, opting for a private life in California.
As the British monarchy navigates health concerns within the royal family, questions linger about the capacity of the remaining senior working royals to fulfill their roles and maintain the stability of the monarchy.