Charles III is suffering from cancer.
Buckingham Palace announced it on Monday February 5, in an official press release.
Although we do not know exactly what type of pathology he was diagnosed with, it would not be linked to the operation he underwent for benign prostatic hypertrophy at the end of January.
The fact remains that, according to medical advice, the King of England will stay away from public life for an unknown period of time.
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Since then, the kingdom has been wondering: after so many years of waiting to ascend the throne of England, will Charles III end up renouncing it and abdicating?
If Buckingham Palace is to be believed, the answer is no.
In any case, not anytime soon.
“[Her Majesty] remains very optimistic about his treatment and looks forward to returning to public duties as soon as possible,” read the statement released earlier this week.
The 75-year-old sovereign will not completely cease his activities as head of state of the United Kingdom - but also of 14 other Commonwealth countries.
He will continue to supervise state affairs during his treatment.
Read alsoThe pro-homeopathy Dr Dixon: the controversial friend of Charles III who became his personal doctor
Against tradition
Speculation that he might give way to his eldest son, Prince William, who is younger and more popular, is therefore futile.
Already because the very notion of abdication would endanger the respect and prestige of the monarchical institution.
The word "abdication" is, so to speak, contrary to British tradition.
Cursed, even, since, in 1936, Edward VIII decided to leave his royal functions, after less than a year of reign, in order to marry Wallis Simpson, American and divorced.
Only the case of incapacity of the sovereign, defined in the Regency Act of 1811 (precisely when George III, taken mad, had been replaced by his son), officially provides for the withdrawal of a monarch, in favor of the first adult person in the order of succession.
On the other hand, from an institutional point of view, abdication would be unwelcome.
And for good reason, during his coronation in May, Charles pledged to “serve his country and the Commonwealth throughout his life”.
Oath taken by her mother, Elizabeth II, and which she respected until her death on September 8, 2022, despite health problems.
Charles III should do the same.
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