Could we see King William sooner rather than later?

After years of rumors about when King Charles will hand the throne to his firstborn son, Prince William, well-wishers may finally have their answer.

A source told Rob Shuter’s “Naughty But Nice” Substack in a post published on March 2 that Charles is expected to give the crown to William within the next year. me: “The transition will look measured and dignified. Health provides the most unassailable explanation,” the source said, referring to Charles‘ battle with an unannounced form of cancer. Charles announced his diagnosis in February 2024, a month after he underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate. (Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles’ cancer was not prostate cancer.)

“Charles will not be seen as pushed,” the source continued. “He has waited a lifetime for this role. When he steps back, it will be entirely on his terms.” Though Charles hasn’t officially handed over the throne to William yet, at the time of writing, the source argued that William has “unofficially” been king for a while amid his father’s illness.

“In many ways, he’s already king unofficially. The institution is preparing emotionally, even if the paperwork hasn’t caught up,” the source said. The insider continued, “The monarchy survives because it adapts before it has to. If there’s a handover, it won’t feel like surrender. It will feel inevitable.”

A source also told Radar Online in a report published on February 28 that William plans to have a “business-like model” when he takes the throne, especially after the arrest of his uncle, ex-Prince Andrew, for allegations of misconduct in public office following his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“This has been personally bruising for William. He feels the weight of expectation more than ever, and there is recognition that the pressure is relentless. Some around him quietly think he would benefit from professional support, like therapy, simply to process the enormity of it all,” the insider said. Another source added: “The Prince of Wales understands that trust, once damaged, is not easily restored. He is determined to modernize the institution so that transparency and measurable impact are built into its foundations.”

A third source further explained how Andrew’s scandal has affected William’s reign as king. “William’s instinct is managerial as much as ceremonial. He wants structures that can withstand scrutiny,” the insider said. “The Andrew investigation has reinforced his belief that the monarchy must operate with clearer lines of responsibility.”

The source continued, “There is genuine concern about the emotional toll this period is taking on William. He is set to carry the expectations of the nation while navigating family turmoil. That combination would test anyone.”

The insider also confirmed that William’s wife, Kate Middleton, backs her husband’s plans to run the throne more like a business. “For William, the immediate priority remains stability – for his family and for the country –as he gets set to try and establish a future monarchy defined less by tradition alone and more by accountability, purpose and resilience under scrutiny,” the insider said.

As for Charles’ cancer, a source told Radar Online in 2025 that the king’s health has “deteriorated” drastically since he was first diagnosed. “He is now shuffling around with a cane – and hitting the bottle, and in particular whisky, to numb the pain and despair he feels,” the source said, describing the state of his health as “a sad end for him.” The insider continued, “His health has deteriorated significantly in recent months.”

Charles May Be Questioned by Police For Andrew’s Arrest to See What He Was ‘Aware’ of: ‘No One Is Beyond Being Asked’

When is it happening?

Every time someone’s arrested, the obvious thing that happens next is that everyone who has a connection with them is also questioned. That’s a normal part of an investigation. It’s just that when the person being arrested is a former British royal with a close connection with the King and the heir to the throne, things get a little complicated. But does that mean King Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be questioned in connection with Andrew’s arrest, or will an exception be made for them?

RadarOnline.com is reporting that questions might come to everyone who has close ties with Andrew, familial or otherwise. A source close to the investigation said: “Detectives will want to establish who had sight of these communications and whether anyone else was aware of their contents. That could mean questions for others within the royal household.”

A constitutional expert explained, “If there is evidence that sensitive material was shared, investigators may seek to clarify what senior figures knew and when. In theory, no one is beyond being asked to account for their knowledge.”

Reportedly, the British royal family is already bracing for the possibility. Reports about Andrew indicate that he forwarded information about official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore to Epstein. He also provided Epstein with confidential information on investment opportunities. “The palace will be bracing itself. Even if no one else is implicated, the optics of police inquiries touching the wider family are hugely damaging,” a source said.

King Charles released a statement right after his brother’s arrest, saying, “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”

He added, “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

Andrew is the first senior royal in modern British history to be arrested. Police said in a statement when Andrew was first arrested, “As part of the investigation (into misconduct in public office), we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”

Reportedly, searches are still ongoing at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. Andrew was released on February 19, the same day he was arrested, after around 11 hours of questioning. He was photographed outside the police station, looking shellshocked.

Now, the investigation continues. And it will likely end up involving not just the King, William and Kate, but probably Andrew’s ex-wife Fergie and even his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.