The news that King Charles III of England has cancer has shocked the world and raised many questions about the fate of the British monarchy.
What will happen to Queen Camilla when the monarch dies? Who will become the next king? Will King Charles abdicate in favor of his son? These are some of the questions asked by experts and citizens.
Buckingham Palace confirmed this Monday, February 5, 2024, that King Charles, 75, is suffering from cancer, a disease that was detected early and is already being treated.
However, no further details were given about the type of cancer, its severity or prognosis.
It has only been ruled out that it is prostate cancer, a common disease in men of his age.
King Charles ascended the throne in 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for nearly 70 years. His coronation took place in a grand ceremony on May 8, 2023.
Queen Camilla, 76, is the second wife of King Charles, whom she married in 2005 after a long and controversial romance that began when both were married to other people.
Camilla was blamed by many for the breakup of the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Camilla became Queen Consort when King Charles was crowned. Queen Camilla has accompanied King Charles on his official duties and has participated in various charitable and social activities.
She has gradually won over the British people and is now well accepted, but not well enough to rule.
If King Charles passes what happens to Camilla
If King Charles dies before Queen Camilla, the throne will pass to his eldest son, Prince William, who will become King William V of England. His wife, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, will become Queen Consort.
Queen Camilla, on the other hand, will lose her title of Queen Consort and become Queen Dowager. This means that she will remain part of the royal family, but will have a secondary and ceremonial role.
Some Queen Dowagers have chosen to be called Queen Mother, such as the mother of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2002 at the age of 101. However, this title only applies to mothers of kings, and Queen Camilla is not one.
Queen Camilla is expected to continue to serve the crown and support her stepson, King William. She is also expected to maintain a good relationship with her daughter-in-law, Queen Kate, with whom she has attended several public events.
Is King Charles stepping down
Another possibility is that King Charles may decide to abdicate in favor of his son, Prince William, if his health deteriorates or he feels unable to fulfill his royal duties. This would mean that King Charles would voluntarily give up the throne and Prince William would take it over immediately.
This option seems unlikely, however, as King Charles has on several occasions expressed his commitment to the Crown and his desire to follow the example of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned until her death.
Moreover, Buckingham Palace has denied that King Charles plans to abdicate and has stated that he will continue to perform his duties as long as his health permits.
King Charles’ cancer has highlighted the fragility of the British monarchy, which is going through one of its most difficult periods.