Prince William Is Being Criticized for His Refusal To Step up His Duties Amid King Charles’ Illness

The royal family probably didn’t expect to start 2024 on such a down note with King Charles III‘s cancer diagnosis and Kate Middleton’s abdominal surgery, but they are in a predicament that puts the focus on one person. It’s Prince William who finds himself caught in the middle of being a pillar of support for his family during this trying time and stepping up into a higher profile role for the palace. 

The Prince of Wales is currently on holiday at Anmer Hall with Kate and their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, to celebrate a school break. Outside of last week’s royal events, including London’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner with Tom Cruise, William has been mostly M.I.A. from public life — and it’s fueling his critics. The palace is maintaining that King Charles will do as much as he can while undergoing treatment and Queen Camilla is happy to represent her husband, but how long can they maintain this relatively low-key approach to royal appearances?

A royal family spokesperson communicated to The Times that “the Prince of Wales may step in for His Majesty, nothing is scheduled currently, Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace are in constant communication, and should the need arise, appropriate arrangements will be made”. A source claimed that Prince William has an “unwavering commitment to duty,” but his light schedule signals to anti-monarchists that the narrative is a weak one. 

Another palace insider seems to think that the health crises has rattled the Prince of Wales to the core. “At times like this, it is a reminder that as well as being the future head of state, he is also a human being,” they said. “He is processing the news of his father having cancer as a human being. Given the seriousness with which he takes his role, of course it is something he will be thinking about.”

Prince William is expected to return to a more normal schedule with an expected appearance at the BAFTAs on Feb. 18, so royal sources are asking the naysayers to be patient with him right now. “After spending half-term with the children, you can expect to see the Prince of Wales return to work in a more normal way, in the knowledge that he will still be supporting his wife and still be doing the school run and pick-ups,” the insider added. 

And there’s one thing a pal of Prince William wants everyone to know — William isn’t interested in pushing himself ahead of his father. “He’s very attuned to the fact that he doesn’t want to tread on any toes,” they noted. “The King is still the King.”

Before you go, click here to see our favorite royal appearances at the BAFTAs over the years: