What will happen when Prince William is king - royal announcement to strict protocols
King Charles found out his mother died with two heartbreaking words...King Charles currently sits on the British throne, and his son Prince William will be in his spot one day – but what would the royal family announcement be like when that day arrives?
If we take a look back at the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we understand the complicated processes in place after the passing of a beloved monarch. The institution, steeped in centuries of royal history, have a list of protocols they follow.
It’s also the same for when there’s a new monarch. Whether King Charles decides to abdicate, or following his death in the future, Prince William will be the next man to sit on the throne, and the royal family have to decide how to make the announcement.
There are already funeral plans in place for the king, it’s a huge operation which requires a lot of care and attention. The same with William’s coronation plans, which are reportedly already being discussed. The Firm plan everything to the smallest of details, therefore the palace will have a set of processes in place for when this day eventually comes.
Heartbreaking moment King Charles found out he was the next monarch
King Charles wasn’t with his mother when she passed away. Although he was by her side earlier on in the afternoon, he had gone out for a walk when the time came. This was to allow his sister, Princess Anne, alone time with their mother as her health took a turn for the worst.
Robert Hardman, in his book, Charles III, New King, reported that as Charles drove back to Balmoral, the phone of one of his staff rang while in the car.
As he took the call, he heard Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary, Sir Edward Young on the other end. However, the two first words were heartbreaking. Sir Young addressed Charles as ‘Your Majesty’, and it was the moment he knew that his mother had died.
Who will tell Prince William he is king?
If Prince William ascends to the throne following the future death of King Charles, and he is not by the monarch’s side, he would be informed through his staff – like his dad was for the late queen. He could also be told through family members, such as Queen Camilla.
Charles’ private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, has been by the royal’s side for many important events and moments in his life. He would be in a position to speak to the new king following Charles death in the future.
If the royal decides to abdicate, then there would likely be a discussion as a family on what that means for the future. However, only a few royals have abdicated the throne over the past several hundred years. King Charles’ great uncle, Edward, was the last to step down.
How did the palace announce the queen’s death?
Concerns over the late queen’s health came after she accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and appointed Liz Truss as his successor on September 6, 2022.
The meetings took place at Balmoral Castle, instead of Buckingham Palace in London. The final public photos of the monarch were taken at the meeting with Truss, and a bruise on her hand caused fans to worry about her health.
Sir Young, her secretary, reportedly informed Truss privately that the queen may not have much longer to live. He also previously informed Johnson that the royal had a tough time throughout the summer, and that the queen ‘knew’ she was dying.
On September 7, she was set to have an online meeting of the Privy Council but this was canceled on doctors’ orders to rest. She passed away the following day, September 8, at 3.10pm, according to documents. Her death certificate recorded her cause of death as old age. However, the news was not made public until 6.30pm.
At 12.30pm, Buckingham Palace made a public announcement over the queen’s health, with Truss being told she had died at 4.30pm, 1 hour and 20 minutes after her death.
Although, concerns were raised when members of the royal family travelled to Balmoral Castle throughout the day to visit the monarch. Charles arrived in the morning, Prince William flew over with Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, arriving at 5pm. Prince Harry, who travelled alone, arrived at 8pm.
The royal family announced the queen had died at 6.30pm, around three hours after. A notice was also placed on the railings outside Buckingham Palace, and the statement was posted on the official website.
How will Buckingham Palace make a royal announcement that Prince William is to be king?
When Queen Elizabeth II passed, the palace’s statement read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
In the event of King Charles’ passing away in the future, and William, the Prince of Wales, being told he was to be the new monarch, a similar operation is likely to follow.
After certain family members are told the tragic news, the Prime Minister – now Sir Keir Starmer – will be told of the death.
Prince William will likely become King William V, unless he chooses another regal name, and the royal family will announce it via their website and social media the same day. The Firm’s statement will be sent out to news wires, therefore, major news organisations such as the BBC, Reuters and the Press Agency will be among the first to report it, followed by other publishers.
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