What happens if King Charles’ cancer diagnosis leaves him incapacitated? How Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward could act as Counsellors of State in Charles’ stead – with regency of Prince of Wales also an option

Following King Charles’ shock cancer diagnosis and the announcement that he will temporarily step back from public duties, questions have been raised about who could replace the monarch in the event that the king becomes ‘incapacitated’.

Buckingham Palace today dramatically revealed that doctors had discovered an unspecified form of cancer while treating a benign prostate condition.

It is understood that King Charles’ condition was caught very early and the prognosis is good.

The King will continue his weekly audience with the Prime Minister and will continue with state affairs and official papers behind the scenes.

Although the king is said to be ‘hugely positive’ after the news, legislation is in place in case a monarch becomes ‘incapacitated’.

The Regency Act of 1937 came into effect during the reign of King George VI, King Charles’ grandfather, due to the fact that his heir, Queen Elizabeth II, was only 10 years old at the time.

The law applies when a monarch who succeeds to the throne is under 18 years old, is out of the country or is incapacitated.

In the event of temporary incapacity for work or absence from the country, the monarch can delegate ‘State Advisors’ on his behalf.

This was the case for Queen Elizabeth II when she asked Prince Charles and Prince William to attend the State Opening of Parliament in 2022.

State advisors are all members of the royal family and two or more members can hold royal functions at the same time.

This would be the king’s consort and the next four in line to the throne who have reached the age of 21: Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice.

However, in 2022, the Royal House said this would only apply to working royals.

Therefore, in the event of incapacity, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward would support the king.

Queen Camilla and Prince William could both act as state advisors in Charles’ place

The Counselors of State Act 2022 added Princess Anne and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh

The legislation also covers an appointed ‘regent’ if a monarch becomes permanently incapacitated and is no longer able to carry out his royal duties.

The ‘Regent’ is next in line to the throne: Prince William. He would assume most of the functions of the monarch, with the exception of granting royal assent to a bill.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement this evening: ‘During The King’s recent hospital procedure for a benign prostate enlargement, a separate area of ​​concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests identified a form of cancer.

“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public duties. During this period, His Majesty will continue to conduct state affairs and official paperwork as usual.

‘The King is grateful to his medical team for their quick intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.

‘He remains completely positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duties as soon as possible.

“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to avoid speculation and in the hope that it can increase public understanding for everyone around the world affected by cancer.”

The king is said to have personally informed his sons Prince William and Prince Harry of his condition.

The Duke of Sussex will travel to Britain to see him in the coming days, a source close to Harry said.

The king also apologized for having to postpone his upcoming engagements.