As King Charles III prepares to celebrate his 75th birthday on Tuesday, November 14, some have speculated that he might choose to abdicate now that he is of advanced age.
However, one royal expert believes there is only one circumstance in which King Charles would relinquish the crown.
Will King Charles III abdicate?
According to royal expert Eric Schiffer, speaking to the Daily Star, those hoping King Charles will step aside in favor of his son Prince William have a long wait ahead of them.
Schiffer explained that the only condition under which he could foresee the king abdicating was if Charles felt unable to fulfill his royal duties and obligations.
“King Charles, at 75, is as sharp and able as any global leader and brings an element of grace, wit, and majesty consistent with his style that is light years away from being too old to reign,” Schiffer said. “There is no way the King would abdicate. The only way I could see the King abdicating is if he felt he was meaningfully unable to fulfill his official duties and obligations to the crown.”
Given that Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, held office until her death at age 96, the new king could rule for more than two decades. This means Prince William would be about 62 years old before ascending the throne.
Although some have advocated that Charles should abdicate at 75 to pass the crown to William in his prime, there seems little chance of this happening.
The monarch seems determined to fulfill his royal duties while he can.
Charles will celebrate his three-quarters of a century with a reception at Buckingham Palace for nurses and midwives.
The NHS choir will sing him a surprise serenade. He will also be honored with cannon fire across the UK and will have a private family dinner at Clarence House.
Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be in attendance, Charles will be surrounded by his nearest and dearest to reflect on his 75 years of life and service.