king charles – Foto: @theroyalfamily
King Charles III, aged 76, is dealing with a worsening of the cancer diagnosed in February 2024, with no signs of remission in 2025. The condition reduced his public appearances to fewer than 50 events this year, transferring about 80% of responsibilities to Prince William, 42, and Kate Middleton, also 42. Buckingham Palace is accelerating succession plans to ensure stability in the monarchy that leads the United Kingdom and 56 Commonwealth nations.
William represented the king on 10 international trips in 2025 and attended over 150 events in 2024, including the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Kate, after cancer treatment started in January 2024, plans 20 engagements this year, focused on early childhood education and mental health. The transition gained urgency due to the lack of improvements in the monarch’s health.
- Main duties assumed by William: meetings with prime ministers, management of royal estates, and global diplomacy.
- Kate’s activities: gradual return with emphasis on social causes that benefited 2 million children in 2024.
- Charles’s reduction: from over 200 events in 2024 to fewer than 50 in 2025.
Royal health alters family dynamics
Charles III maintains private meetings and official document signings. The disease was detected during a procedure for benign prostate enlargement. The monarch completed over two years on the throne since September 2022.
William manages the Duchy of Cornwall and raised 20 million pounds for mental health in 2024, a 15% increase from the previous year. Kate reduced engagements from 120 to 40 in 2024 due to treatment.
Preparation intensifies future leadership
William held over 20 meetings with foreign policy experts in 2025. The couple raised 50 million pounds in philanthropic donations last year, a 25% increase from 2023. Initiatives include the Earthshot Prize, which reached 5 million beneficiaries in 2024.
Kate focuses efforts on early childhood projects. The couple’s public approval reached 75% in 2025, compared to 50% for Charles. They are gradually introducing their children to royal duties, with Prince George, aged 11, participating in five events in 2024.
Public approval supports transition
2025 surveys indicate 75% support for William and Kate among Britons. The rate rose 10% since 2023. The monarchy generates 1.8 billion pounds annually for the UK economy, including 500 million from tourism according to 2024 data.
The institution’s annual cost reaches 100 million pounds. Forty percent of Britons question the monarchy’s value in recent surveys. The couple counters with actions in sustainability and well-being.
Global challenges in the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth encompasses 56 nations and 2.5 billion inhabitants. Fourteen countries recognize the monarch as head of state. Barbados became a republic in 2021.
Six nations, including Jamaica and Australia, plan debates on separation in 2025. William and Kate’s approval exceeds the royal average by 20% in the bloc. Philanthropic efforts strengthen international ties.
Timeline of key events
Charles III diagnosed in February 2024 after prostate procedure. Kate started treatment in January 2024 post-abdominal surgery. William represented the king at Notre-Dame reopening in December 2024.
Charles’s international trips fell from 25 in 2023 to fewer than 10 in 2024. Succession plans accelerated in early 2025. The couple balances duties with training in protocols and diplomacy.
Continuity of the royal lineage
Prince George holds the second position in the line of succession. Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis follow in third and fourth places. George began duties at age 10, similar to his father.
The monarchy adapts to historical abrupt changes. William and Kate modernize the institution aligning it with contemporary demands. Social projects strengthen connection with younger generations.
