Prince William Is Reportedly Being 'Prepared To Step up Fast' as King Charles' Health Declines

King Charles III’s health is reportedly in decline, and Prince William might find himself on the throne far sooner than he ever expected.

In the midst of royal insider Tom Sykes claiming he was “horrified by photographs that have emerged” of Charles looking frail and underweight, Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice Substack has a curious note about William being “quietly prepared” to take on the notable role. “The illusion of perfect health is collapsing,” a palace staffer shared.

The palace remains firmly in King Charles’ corner, not giving away one morsel of his health privacy. But, a second source noted, “You can’t Photoshop frailty. What we’re seeing is the reality behind the crown — a monarch in decline.” That assessment echoes what Sykes pointed out in his Oct. 9 Substack, The Royalist.

It’s impossible to look at these images without seeing how much King Charles’s health has declined,” he wrote. “The man’s suit is falling off him. The Palace line tonight is that he would have gone to Brazil “if his schedule allowed.” But the truth, as these astonishing new images attest, is that his illness is taking a heavier toll than the institution will admit.”

In April, Page Six noted that the Prince of Wales was walking side-by-side with other elder statesmen at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. “William did extremely well at [the reopening of] Notre Dame, leading the British contingent. And in Rome, he joined Trump and Macron, and Zelensky, so he’s right up there with the big boys, as it were,” royal author Hugo Vickers told the media outlet.

“It’s always the problem – their heir never knows when they are going to become King, but obviously, as William’s father is unwell, it focuses on that. But [William is] as prepared as he will be,” Vickers added. “It looks as though he can cope — which is good because he’ll need to when the time comes.”

William was front and center during President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s recent visit, and it seems like the heir is ready for the spotlight. Behind the scenes, he and Kate Middleton likely knew this was coming because their Forest Lodge move is being described as their “forever home.” It’s better to settle into the new residence ahead of possible changes in his father’s health.

Buckingham Palace has not given any updates on King Charles’ health, but the recent photos prove that the cancer has taken its toll. Still, the monarch is attending as many royal events as he can, which isn’t Prince William’s style. If anything should happen to King Charles, it might signal the end of an old-school era because William is ready to lead in a much different way.

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