LONDON, Oct 12: Growing concerns about King Charles III’s health have reportedly led to increased preparations for Prince William to take on an expanded royal role, with speculation mounting that he could ascend the throne sooner than anticipated.

Royal commentator Tom Sykes recently expressed alarm at the King’s apparent physical decline, noting in his Royalist Substack on October 9 that recent photographs show him appearing “frail and underweight.” One palace staffer, speaking anonymously, told journalist Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice Substack that Prince William is being “quietly prepared” to step up. “The illusion of perfect health is collapsing,” the source said.

While Buckingham Palace continues to maintain strict privacy regarding the King’s medical condition, another source emphasized, “You can’t Photoshop frailty. What we’re seeing is the reality behind the crown — a monarch in decline.”

Sykes reinforced that sentiment in his commentary, writing: “It’s impossible to look at these images without seeing how much King Charles’s health has declined. The man’s suit is falling off him.” He also noted that although official statements cited scheduling issues for the King’s absence from a planned trip to Brazil, the images suggest “his illness is taking a heavier toll than the institution will admit.”

In recent months, Prince William has increasingly taken on high-profile roles. He led the British delegation at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and represented the UK at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome, where he stood alongside global leaders including former U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Royal biographer Hugo Vickers told Page Six in April that William has shown strong leadership qualities during these events. “He did extremely well at Notre Dame... and in Rome, he joined Trump and Macron, and Zelensky — so he’s right up there with the big boys, as it were,” Vickers said. “It’s always the problem — the heir never knows when they are going to become King. But obviously, as William’s father is unwell, it focuses on that. [William is] as prepared as he will be. It looks as though he can cope — which is good because he’ll need to when the time comes.”

Prince William has also played a prominent role in recent diplomatic visits, including hosting the Trumps. Behind the scenes, he and Princess Catherine are said to be settling into their residence at Forest Lodge — described as their “forever home” — in anticipation of long-term changes.

Although Buckingham Palace has not released any official updates on King Charles’ health, observers point to recent photographs as evidence that the monarch’s ongoing cancer treatment is taking its toll. Despite these health challenges, King Charles continues to fulfill as many royal engagements as possible.

Should the King’s condition worsen, observers suggest that Prince William’s reign may usher in a new chapter for the monarchy, possibly moving away from traditional approaches toward a more modern leadership style.