The Rise of "King William" Is Causing Chaos in the Palace and "Tearing the Royal Family Apart"

· Cosmopolitan

Back in April, news broke that plans for King Charles' eventual funeral (code name Operation Menai Bridge) had been dusted off by the palace amid growing concern about his health. And apparently the prospect of Prince William potentially being crowned king sooner than expected has everyone spiraling.

In a piece dramatically titled "Secret Plans for King Charles’ Death Are Already Tearing the Royal Family Apart," The Daily Beast reports that the "planning and positioning" of Prince William's eventual reign as King William V has started in earnest—even as King Charles seems to be doing relatively well.

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Apparently, the prospect of "King William" has everyone on edge, and the outlet reports that there have been "moments this year" when courtiers, family, and aides of the royal family have felt a surge of "what-happens-now horror and doubt" amid Charles' health crisis. Courtiers and aides in particular are said to be concerned about their future once William becomes King, and the Daily Beast notes that "few would blame them, given the brutal way Queen Elizabeth’s staff were sacked upon her death, for quietly updating their LinkedIn profiles."

As for the royal family, Prince Harry remains on the outs and it doesn't look like there'll be a way back once his brother becomes King. But the Daily Beast also claims that King Charles' eventual passing will massively impact Queen Camilla, who has merely been "tolerated" by Prince William but "never liked, let alone loved."

It's unclear where Queen Camilla will live when Prince William is king, not to mention what she will "live on" (note: she does have her own pretty large net worth). There's even speculation that King Charles wants Prince Andrew to vacate his home, the Royal Lodge, specifically so that Camilla can live there when he's gone, and that Andrew is refusing to do so—counting on it being the least of William's concerns once he's king.

Sounds messy! Though, that's not exactly out of the norm for the royal family, so.