In a stunning development, after the weeks of evasion and secrecy, sources report that King Charles III is suffering from pancreatic cancer and has been given a prognosis of about two years to live.
As reported in In Touch and Yahoo, a member of the royal inner circle has stated, “King Charles is much sicker than the palace lets on and simply isn’t up to the job of running his fractious family, the crown’s business interests and fulfilling the daily duties of the monarchy,” adding that, “His cancer is eating him alive. He’s very frail. The situation is desperate.”
On Maundy Thursday, he appeared in a video of a service where the monarch hands out symbolic alms called “Maundy money” to individuals who have performed “outstanding Christian service.” A photo of the king that was circulated showed him to be “more gaunt” than last year.
Indeed, he was not able to attend in person as he is under doctor’s orders to avoid crowds while being treated for cancer. The queen stood in for him. The Maundy Thursday service is said to be one of the most meaningful for Charles and he stated that he was greatly saddened at not being able to be present.
King Charles’ ascended to the throne only 18 months ago, and his reign may end up being one of the shortest in British history.
As is common practice in the Royal House, his funeral has already been planned, not because of his health crisis, but as a matter of course.
Named “Operation Menai Bridge,” the monarch’s funeral processions will look similar to Queen Elizabeth II’s ceremonies, dubbed “Operation London Bridge.” Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly, and it is not surprising that final arrangements for Charles should be “of timely prioritization”.
“It’s a fairly common thing to do among the British royalty, but in Charles’ case expediency is necessary,” says the source, who notes that “some courtiers believe Charles’ cancer is worse than they’re making it out to be.”
“Operation Menai Bridge” is set to include familiar protocols. When the monarch dies, Charles’ body will be moved from the throne room at Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. He will lie in state, and his official funeral will take place nine days later. He will likely be buried in the royal vault at Windsor Castle. “
The King is expected to make an appearance on Easter Sunday for a service at Windsor, but there are no others scheduled for the foreseeable future.
The king’s perilous health comes at a particularly critical time, as the bombshell announcement of Princess Kate’s cancer just days ago, creates ripples throughout the Royal House. William’s royal duties have been reduced to the minimum as he cares for his family, and no doubt the emotional upheaval of the crisis is playing an important role in his mental wellbeing.
In Touch reports that the king believes “William is not ready to take the throne.”
“Charles knows the pressures of being the monarch, and he just isn’t sure William is ready to take his place,” an insider revealed, adding that William is “currently facing a public relations disaster,” alluding to the uproar that the secrecy over Kate’s health generated in the media and the public announcement that she was eventually forced to make in order to quell rumors and wild conspiracy theories.
Health crises, accusations of secrecy, media and public relations disasters, all told, the future of the British monarchy seems to be in serious jeopardy.
