King Charles' plan if he chooses to abdicate and 'can't carry out his duties', claims royal butler
A former royal butler has claimed that abdication is not an option for King Charles
As King Charles continues to undergo cancer treatment, questions have surfaced about whether he may choose to abdicate. But one former royal insider insists that stepping down is not in the monarch’s nature, and has revealed the plan in place should he ever be unable to fulfil his duties.
At 76, King Charles appears more committed than ever to his role.
Despite his health challenges, he has remained active and visible in public life, showing the same dedication that defined the reign of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Will King Charles abdicate?
According to Grant Harrold, who served as Charles’ butler from 2004 to 2011, abdication simply isn’t a path the monarch would consider.
“Abdication? No,” Harrold told Express on behalf of Prime Casino. “Just like his mother, he’ll continue to serve until his final breath.”
Harrold worked closely with Charles during his years as the Prince of Wales.
“That sense of duty is ingrained in him. It’s who he is. No one truly knows what’s going on in the King’s mind. But from what I saw, and I don’t believe he’s changed in this regard, abdication would be the very last thing he’d ever consider. It’s just not in his nature.”
Even while battling illness, Charles has maintained a determined schedule of engagements. On a recent state visit to Italy, his wife, Queen Camilla, 77, spoke candidly about the King’s relentless work ethic.
“He loves his work and it keeps him going,” she revealed. “And I think it’s wonderful. If you’ve been ill and you are recovering, you’re getting better, and now he wants to do more and more and more. That’s the problem. That’s what he’s driven by. Helping others.”
Royals stepping up for the monarch
While Charles has no plans to abdicate, he has taken practical steps in case his health prevents him from performing his role at full capacity.
“Charles has already put things in place in case he is in a position where he is unable to carry out duties himself,” Harrold explained.
He added the Princess Royal – Princess Anne – and his brother Prince Edward and his wife Sophie have been appointed Counsellors of State, as well as his wife Queen Camilla. This means if he cannot fulfil his role they can step in and carry out his duties on his behalf.
This structure was used during the final years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
It allowed other senior royals to represent her at public events and carry out official duties when she was unable.
Will Camilla be queen if King Charles dies?
Yes. Queen Camilla, who was officially crowned alongside her husband during the Coronation in May 2023, will retain the title Queen if King Charles passes away.
However, as Queen Consort, she does not hold constitutional powers and will not reign.
Upon Charles’s death, the crown will immediately pass to Prince William, the current Prince of Wales.
While Camilla plays a prominent and supportive public role, the line of succession remains firmly in place. Therefore, Prince William is still next in line to become monarch.
Read more: Moment from King Charles’ coronation that received 8000 Ofcom complaints
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