New concerns have been raised about King Charles’s cancer prognosis after a leading royal biographer revealed that “succession planning” is well underway in the event the monarch passes away.
Charles, 75, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer while undergoing a separate procedure to treat an enlarged prostate in January.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the diagnosis on February 5, sparking a global outpouring of concern for the new monarch who only ascended the throne about 18 months ago.
Royal author Tom Quinn claimed that the Prince of Wales is “at the heart of the succession planning”.
“Charles is also aware that, as future king, William is at the heart of the succession planning that is taking place right now – officials had assumed Charles would remain healthy at least into his mid-eighties before succession planning would need to begin but in fact it has now begun and indicates perhaps that Charles’ cancer is more dangerous than we have been led to believe,” he told the Mirror newspaper on Tuesday.
Mr Quinn also revealed that Prince Harry had been excluded from the grave discussions for fear the Sussex camp may leak sensitive information to the media.
“Succession planning is highly secret and no one trusts Harry to be part of it for the simple reason that if he feels in any way slighted or not given what he feels he deserves he will run straight to the media,” he said.
Charles has cut back on royal duties while he receives outpatient treatment for the undisclosed form of cancer, while his siblings Princess Anne and Prince Edward have both upped their workloads.
