Why we may be seeing Prince William on the throne sooner than we think

Former royal butler Paul Burrell, who served Princess Diana from 1987 until her untimely death in 1997, has shared his intriguing insights on the future of the British monarchy.

According to Burrell, King Charles might be planning to step down from his role as Monarch sooner than anticipated, paving the way for his son, Prince William to ascend to the throne.

Speaking exclusively to Slingo, Burrell outlined his belief that King Charles has a well-thought-out “10-year plan” before abdicating the throne.

Drawing parallels with Queen Margrethe of Denmark’s decision to step down, Burrell suggests that this move would not only serve as a truly historic moment for the British Royal Family but also would fall in line with a broader trend among European monarchs to step down from the throne.

“I think it will happen in this country. I think the king and queen have given this job 10 years, I think this is a 10-year plan,” Burrell told the publication.

“I don’t think he will want to continue being king when crowned heads of Europe have found that they can hand over to their heirs and see them become monarch and enjoy it.”

While acknowledging that Queen Elizabeth’s generation was dedicated to the Monarchy for life, Burrell believes that King Charles may opt for a different approach and take a page out of Prince Philip’s book and opt for retirement when he deems it appropriate.

“The queen would never have done that because she came from a different generation, her entire life was molded around being a monarch,” he explained.

“But the king will know exactly what to do and take a page out of Prince Philip’s book and say, ‘I’ve done enough’ and want to do things he wants to do.”

Burrell believes Prince William’s ascent to the throne would be met with open arms from an adoring public.

“I think the country will embrace a new, young king and Queen and it will complete the circle that Diana’s son will be king,” Burrell added.

“I think the king has a plan for the next eight years, but I believe he will follow suit of the Queen of Denmark, he would want to see his son crowned.

“Who wouldn’t want to see their son reach the pinnacle of their career?

“I think King Charles has a different approach to his mother: I think he will work hard for 10 years and then say it’s time for retirement and watch his son blossom.”

Burrell’s speculation about the future of the Monarchy comes after Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II, Europe’s longest-serving Monarch, announced her abdication after an illustrious 52-year reign.

During her traditional New Year’s Eve speech, the 83-year-old Queen reflected on her decision, citing a successful back operation earlier in the year that prompted contemplation about the future.

“The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future – whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation,” she said.

“I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024 – 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father – I will step down as queen of Denmark.

“I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.”

King Charles also underwent surgery recently for an enlarged prostate, attending the London Clinic in west London on Friday, January 26, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla for the planned treatment.

In good news for the Royal Family, Charles was discharged on Monday, January 29 accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla. The pair smiled and waved to well-wishers as he left the hospital.

Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming the good news.

“The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation,” the statement read.

“His Majesty would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days.”

In light of Queen Margrethe II’s abdication and King Charles’ recent health woes, Burrell’s speculations open a fascinating discussion on the Monarchy’s future.