After less than a year and a half at the head of the British monarchy, King Charles III has launched a fight against “an unspecified form of cancer”, the announcement of which has caused shock since Monday evening in the United Kingdom. United.
The monarch will be able to continue to rely on several trusted people who have been part of or have revolved around the royal family since the start of his reign.
Firstly, the Councilors of State, members of the British royal family, “are empowered, by signature of the king, to replace him in the event of a vacancy on the throne”, told us the monarchy specialist Bertrand Deckers, during the hospitalization of the king in mid-January.
It is therefore above all up to Queen Consort Camilla, 76 years old, to represent the monarchy to the public.
Ben Birchall/Reuters
The queen has already been very present in recent weeks, while the king was away from his activities for a prostate procedure.
She kept a very busy schedule, even in recent days when the cancer was already diagnosed, providing reassuring news.
William and Kate, the good students
Then comes the direct heir William, 41, who must resume his activities on Wednesday after remaining at the bedside of his wife Kate in recent days.
Its mission is to represent the monarchy to the public.
Since their marriage twelve years ago, the couple have played to perfection the part expected of a future royal couple, putting on a good figure in all circumstances.
Frank Augstein/Reuters
Next comes Princess Beatrice of York, eldest daughter of Prince Andrew, stripped of his title of royal highness in 2022, due to accusations of sexual abuse of a minor brought against him in the Epstein affair.
Finally, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne, brother and sister of Charles, have also been Councilors of State since December 2022 at the request of the King.
If he is no longer able to work, the monarch can be replaced by two “state councilors” taken from this list.
In order to clarify the situation, the royal family clarified before Parliament at the end of 2022 that “only its active members” could “in practice” act as state advisors, effectively excluding Harry and Andrew.
Private secretary and squire
Another character, much less known to the general public but essential to the proper functioning of the wheels of the monarchy, is responsible for assisting the king.
This is his private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, responsible for assisting him in his institutional and political tasks.
Serving Prince Charles and Camilla since 2006, he gradually rose in rank.
He is the one who whispers in the king's ear and advises him on all delicate questions.
AFP/Chris Jackson
A man always stands close to King Charles, responsible for protecting him and guiding his steps.
This is Major Johnny Thompson, his squire (a sort of aide-de-camp).
This charismatic character, an officer in the 5th battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and recently promoted to lieutenant-colonel, is responsible for managing his appointments and the smooth running of his days, as well as his travels, in collaboration with his private secretary.
Christian Charisius/Icon sport
On Tik Tok, under the hashtag “Johnny Hot T”, the images of the major have become even more viral in recent months, particularly since his presence, on May 6, during the coronation of Charles III, making him a real object of fantasies .
Images of him, sometimes in a kilt, sometimes in military uniform, are relayed, accompanied by comments praising the advantageous physique of this father of a family who loves Labradors.
Nicholas Soames, the king's best friend
) Peter Summer/Getty Images via AFP
He has no official responsibilities in the monarchy, but his place is no less essential.
Nicholas Soames is the king's oldest friend.
Grandson of Winston Churchill, who was very close to Charles's grandfather during the war, he met Charles on a fishing trip in Scotland.
They were both 12 years old.
Soames then became the prince's equerry and Charles the best man at his first marriage.
A Conservative MP for more than twenty-two years, he now sits in the House of Lords.
Also read Charles III suffering from a “form of cancer”: the announcement that gripped the United Kingdom and worried the whole world
Treated at home according to the British press, Charles “will continue to take care of state affairs and administrative tasks as usual,” according to the palace.
According to the British press, the king continues to receive his famous “red box” every morning with official documents, and to hold meetings with his advisors.
He can also hold video conferences, as the Queen did during the pandemic.