Due to his advancing age at the time he was crowned, King Charles’ reign could never be anywhere near as long as his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s record-breaking seven-decade-plus tenure on the throne.
But the King’s 2024 cancer diagnosis was a shock wake-up call that eldest son Prince William’s time as monarch – with wife Catherine beside him – could come much sooner than expected.
Just two-and-a-half years into his time on the throne, plans are well underway for what will come after Charles, 76, when William, 42, follows in his footsteps.
“The succession planning operation is a kind of always-on thing,” William’s former press secretary Jason Knauf told 60 Minutes. “[Losing his father] is one of the terrible paradoxes of this job.”
What is Operation London Bridge?
Operation London Bridge, the codename given to the plan for the sovereign’s funeral and his successor’s ascension to the throne and coronation, resumed shortly after Charles’ coronation in May 2023. Before that, it was used for his mother.
“The King’s own valedictory arrangements have now, officially, been upgraded to Operation London Bridge, mirroring those of Elizabeth II,” Robert Hardman revealed in his 2024 biography, Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story.
In turn, Prince William’s plans have also been upgraded to Operation Menai Bridge, previously used by Charles and named after a Welsh suspension bridge, befitting of the Prince of Wales.
Although each new monarch inherits the arrangements of their predecessor, that doesn’t mean they can’t put their stamp on things.
Charles famously slimmed down his crowning ceremony and the number of working royals, while using his position as head of state to promote causes he’s passionate about, such as climate change.
Will Prince William make changes when he is the King?
William is also keen to make his own mark.
“The thing I have heard from Prince William is you’re going to do this in your own way,” Knauf said. “Every generation of the royal family has to reinvent the role for the generation that they serve.”
The sentiment was expressed by the prince in November 2024 when William was asked about his future.
“I’m doing it with maybe a smaller r in the royal if you like – that’s maybe a better way of saying it,” William said.
Things are already changing with William and Kate, 43, taking on fewer patronages in favour of what they see as more “impactful” work.
Following a horror year that also saw Kate treated for cancer, the couple prioritised their family, putting Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and 6-year-old Prince Louis first.
The conspiracy theories and controversies ahead of Kate revealing her shock diagnosis in March 2024 have also led to the pair becoming much more open with the public, with William showing vulnerability by admitting last year was the “worst” of his life.
“It shows how flexible and modern they are to adapt,” royal biographer Robert Jobson tells WHO. “They’ll do a fine job when the time does come.”
