Prince William is reportedly in “frightening proximity” to ascending the British throne amid His father King Charles III’s ongoing battle with cancer.
“The almost simultaneous news of Charles’s cancer has put William and Catherine in frightening proximity to ascending the throne just when they had hoped for a span of years to parent their children out of the public eye,” journalist Tina Brown claimed in a New York Times essay published on March 25.
William and his wife, Kate Middleton — who is also battling cancer — share three kids: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
The former Vanity Fair editor-in-chief asserted that the idea of William becoming the reigning sovereign has spurred much stress for the couple.
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“The prospect of it, I am told, is causing them intense anxiety,” she wrote.
Brown also claimed that several scandals surrounding the royal family — including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s estrangement from the royal family as well as Prince Andrew’s ties to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein — have put William and Middleton “under unmanageable pressure.”
“Catherine is the most popular member of the royal family after William,” she wrote, adding, “The future of the monarchy hangs by a thread, and that thread is her.”
Brown furthered that William, 41, and Middleton, 42, are burdened with more responsibilities than just her health condition.
“A tidal wave of premature responsibility is crashing in her and William’s direction,” she said. “Frozen, unready and with Catherine now seriously unwell, the Prince and Princess of Wales await the awesome burden of the crown.”
Middleton announced that she was diagnosed with cancer on March 22 after mounting speculation over her whereabouts following a planned abdominal procedure in January.
She did not disclose what kind of cancer she is battling but shared that she is seeking treatment.
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“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too,” she said in a video message at the time. “As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
Her cancer announcement came shortly after her father-in-law revealed his own cancer diagnosis in February.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” Buckingham Palace announced in an official statement at the time.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time doctors have advised him to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
Middleton reportedly met with Charles for lunch to talk about their “common health experience” before announcing the shocking news.
Charles, 75, had just ascended the throne in May 2023 following the September 2022 death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96.
