By Anna Genna
In early February, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III has cancer, following a statement in late January that the King would go to a hospital for an enlarged prostate. Since the announcement, the King has been seen out on rare occasions, with most duties occurring in private. It has yet to be announced what kind of cancer Charles has or what treatments will take place. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the disease had been caught early, although that provides little more information. The transparency that the palace is providing in this instance is rather new, although the ambiguity of it has had many speculating about the King’s condition.
Charles had his coronation on May 6, 2023, marking 10 months of being king. At 75, it is not unlikely that his rule may be rather short, although his parents have lived till their 90s. If something were to happen to the King, England is prepared with an extensive list of those next in line. Here are the first 5 in the line of succession:
First in line is William, Prince of Wales, who is Charles’ son with the now deceased Diana, Princess of Wales. At 41, he is one of 2 adults in the next 5 people in line.
Next, is the son of William, Prince George of Wales, who is 10. While it is assumed that at some point in his life he will be king, it would be surprising for it to come this early.
Third in line is Princess Charlotte of Wales, who is 8, the second child of William and his wife, Catharine, Princess of Wales.
After, is 5-year-old Prince Louis of Wales, the youngest child of William.
Fifth in line of succession is Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. After stepping back from the royal family, he has lost his title as “His Royal Highness,” although he retains his line in succession as well as the titles of “Prince” and “Duke of Sussex.” He is the younger sibling of William, but his role in the line of succession has been moved down as William had children.