'No Rush to Be King': Prince William Is Being 'Very Respectful' to Charles III as Monarch Battles Cancer

King Charles III has cancer, and the type, severity, and prognosis of the disease remain unknown. Although the palace and the monarch himself remain optimistic as he receives treatments, Prince William is ensuring that he remains "respectful" to his father and sovereign during this grim time.

If and when the King dies, the Prince of Wales immediately accedes to the British throne as King William V. His wife will become Queen Catherine, and Prince George will automatically become the Duke of Cornwall. Royal analysts, fans, and indeed well-wishers across the globe hope that these events will be many years in the future, especially since Queen Elizabeth II's death is still fresh in "everyone's memory," a palace insider shared.

The King is still fulfilling the official "paperwork" of both the Crown and the head of state's required duties, but it now falls to the king-in-waiting to step up and lead the public profile of the monarchy. This is reportedly not easy for the Prince of Wales since Kate, Princess of Wales, is still recovering from a major abdominal surgery. Her Royal Highness is said to be "devastated" by the news of His Majesty's potentially life-threatening illness.

"She treats him like a father, not a king, which he appreciates," a palace insider spilled. She calls him often. They’ve forged a special bond. Kate is definitely the daughter he never had. Charles may seem stuffy, but he has a good sense of humor, and Kate is great at making him laugh," they shared.

The source also revealed that the Princess of Wales is starting to get back to her pre-surgery life. "She’s healing quickly and slowly getting back to her day-to-day activities."

As for the King, he is reportedly trying to remain as hopeful as he can given the dire diagnosis he received. "Charles understands the situation, but he’s putting his health first so he can continue his role of king for a long time." Charles III has only been monarch for 17 months as of February 2024.

King Charles' illness took the world and royal analysts by surprise since the monarch, 75, has always been robustly "healthy and active." The King had only ever been treated for sports injuries before his diagnosis, and both the late Queen and Prince Philip lived to their late 90s. However, Elizabeth II reportedly suffered from "bone cancer" in the final year of her life, which some physicians have claimed could be a hereditary link to cancer genes in the King's situation.

Another royal insider stepped forward to spill how the Prince of Wales is "reluctant" to become king, but will "most certainly" and "immediately without question" embrace his destiny of duty if Charles III passes away.

Closer reported on the insider revelations.