Amidst news of King Charles undergoing cancer treatment, the royal family faces a period of transition as Prince William steps in to shoulder some of his father’s responsibilities.

The palace disclosed on Monday that the king is currently receiving treatment for cancer, following a recent procedure for an enlarged prostate on January 26.

As King Charles takes a step back from public engagements to focus on his health, the timeline for his return to royal duties remains uncertain in light of this new diagnosis.

During his treatment, King Charles will maintain his involvement in state affairs by continuing to receive and process important documents through the traditional red boxes delivered daily to him.

Alongside managing his own schedule of commitments, Prince William is expected to assume additional duties on behalf of his father.

Despite these adjustments, there are no immediate plans to appoint councillors of state to act on King Charles’ behalf during his absence.

Councillors of state, comprising prominent members of the royal family including Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, and others, play a crucial role in fulfilling constitutional obligations for the monarch in situations where he is unable to do so himself.

Unlike in some other monarchies where regents may temporarily assume power in such circumstances, the UK follows a different protocol as outlined by the House of Commons Library, where regents are not permanently instated.

In the midst of these changes, the Prince of Wales is poised to resume his royal duties after a brief hiatus to care for Princess Catherine, who underwent abdominal surgery earlier in the year.

His upcoming schedule includes hosting an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and attending a fundraising gala for the London Air Ambulance.

Meanwhile, other members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, are expected to continue their public engagements.