The Royal Family is reportedly being torn apart by plans for King Charles’ eventual funeral and the succession of the Crown. Following the monarch’s cancer diagnosis, several plans have been put in place for his passing.
But, according to The Daily Beast’s royal commentator Tom Sykes, these plans have caused significant tension within Buckingham Palace.
In a piece titled ‘Secret Plans for King Charles’ Death Are Already Tearing the Royal Family Apart’, Tom suggests that the power dynamic between Charles and William has shifted since the King’s diagnosis, with indications of executive power and influence beginning to lean towards William.
He also highlights potential issues for Prince Harry. Tom suggests that Harry would be more likely to negotiate a deal with King Charles than King William if he wished to return.
King Charles and Prince William enjoy Switzerland skiing trip in 2004
A royal source allegedly told him that Harry believed he might have had 20 years with his father as the ultimate authority to mend their strained relationship. The source also expressed doubt that the Duke of Sussex would have released his explosive book, Spare, if William and Kate were reigning.
In April, it was revealed that plans for King Charles’ eventual funeral (code-named Operation Menai Bridge) had been revisited by the palace due to growing concerns about his health. The possibility of Prince William potentially ascending to the throne sooner than anticipated has reportedly sent shockwaves through the palace, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
The Daily Beast has reported that the “planning and positioning” for Prince William’s eventual ascension to the throne as King William V has begun in earnest, despite King Charles appearing to be in good health. The prospect of William becoming king is reportedly causing unease, with “moments this year” when Royal courtiers, family members, and aides have experienced a wave of “what-happens-now horror and doubt” due to concerns over Charles’ health.
Particularly, courtiers and aides are said to be worried about their future roles once William takes the throne. As for the Royal Family, Prince Harry remains estranged, with little hope of reconciliation once his brother becomes king.
The article also suggests that the death of Charles will significantly affect Queen Camilla, who is merely “tolerated” by William and “never liked, let alone loved.”
It remains uncertain where Queen Camilla will reside when William becomes king. There are even rumours that King Charles wants Prince Andrew to leave his residence, the Royal Lodge, so that Camilla can live there after he passes away.
However, Andrew is allegedly refusing to do so, banking on it being a minor concern for William once he becomes king.