Whereas the subject is never addressed immediately, insiders say it’s a main supply of pressure.
“It is a vastly delicate topic,” a courtier mentioned. “They tiptoe round it, however everybody is aware of the day will come – and William is already getting his geese in a row.”
Throughout a royal go to to Cape City on November 7, William hinted at what his reign may appear to be.
“To provide you extra of an understanding round it, I’m doing it with possibly a smaller ‘R’ within the royal,” he mentioned.
The remark raised eyebrows amongst traditionalists – and reportedly irked Charles’ extra conservative camp.
And the friction is long-simmering.
One other insider added: “William does not wish to be a carbon copy of his father. He is quietly constructing his personal court docket, his personal agenda, and his personal rulebook. Charles is aware of it – and it is made issues very tense.”
Whereas the king continues to bear remedy, palace aides say he stays dedicated to his duties.
However William’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering has solely added to hypothesis about the way forward for the crown.
A royal supply added: “He is not sitting round ready. He is making ready for his second – whether or not his father is prepared or not.”