A royal expert claims that Prince William is “closer” to becoming king than previously thought.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl told The Mirror, “The crown will never have felt closer to the prince than it does now. His father’s [King Charles] illness has been a stark reminder that it’s his turn next, and it may not be too far in the distant future.”
Nicholl added that William and his wife Kate Middleton are “very aware of their roles now, and how best to utilize their phenomenal soft power. The aides I’ve spoken to and those who know him best say he is absolutely prepared [for the role of king].”
William has taken on a larger role as Prince of Wales in the almost two years since the king was diagnosed with cancer. Around the same time period, William’s wife, Kate, also faced the disease.
The prince was subsequently thrust into the spotlight as his father recovered, when he stepped in for Charles at the 80th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Normandy on June 6, 2024, alongside 24 international heads of state, according to The New York Post. He also attended the Sovereign’s Parade at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire in September 2024.
King Charles’s cancer treatment is ongoing
In March 2025, the BBC reported that King Charles’ cancer treatment continues. That month, the monarch was briefly hospitalized, after “experiencing temporary side effects during cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace said.”
In April of that same year, Charles reflected on his health battle. ABC News reported the king called the experience “daunting and at times frightening.”
Charles stated, “Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.”
The king is reportedly continuing his treatment. However, it has not yet been revealed the type of cancer that Charles was diagnosed with.
Prince William remains the Prince of Wales, with his own set of responsibilities. The royal family website cites the Prince of Wales’ roles as “charitable activities and projects” and carrying out “public and official duties in support of The King, in the UK and overseas.”
Right now, King Charles remains active as the United Kingdom’s monarch. Despite his ongoing cancer treatment, he continues to fulfill select public duties and private engagements.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.