The British royal family is navigating through a turbulent start to 2024, with health concerns casting a shadow over the palace.

It all began with Kate Middleton undergoing abdominal surgery, a situation that raised eyebrows and sparked concern among royal watchers.

Shortly after, King Charles was treated for an enlarged prostate, but the news took a more serious turn when it was revealed that he has cancer.

As a result, royal engagements have slowed significantly, with Prince William stepping back to care for his wife, while Queen Camilla and Prince Edward have also taken time off from their duties.

In light of these health issues, the question arises: what happens when a monarch is unwell?

The British system, known for its unwritten constitution, has provisions in place for such scenarios.

The Regency Act of 1937 outlines four specific situations where a regent might be appointed.

These include a monarch who ascends the throne before turning 18, becomes permanently incapacitated, temporarily incapacitated, or is simply absent from the country.

When it comes to the first two scenarios, a regent would step in to perform the monarch’s duties.

For the latter two, constitutional deputies, known as councillors of state, are designated to act on behalf of the king.

However, in a surprising move, King Charles has indicated that he does not plan to appoint councillors during his recovery from surgery and treatment.

This decision is particularly notable given that his potential deputies would typically include Prince William, Princess Anne, or Prince Edward.

Charles appears to share a sentiment with his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was also reluctant to utilize councillors during times of ill health.

In fact, she only did so once, when Charles and William opened Parliament on her behalf in May 2022.

While councillors of state can perform many of the monarch’s functions, there are critical exceptions.

They cannot dissolve Parliament or appoint new members of the House of Lords, both actions being prohibited by law to prevent any misuse of power.

Should the king become incapacitated, the next in line, Prince William, would formally take on the role of regent.

However, if William were to ascend to the throne in the near future, an interesting twist arises: his own son, Prince George, will not be eligible to be regent until he turns 18 in 2031.

Instead, the role would fall to Prince Harry, who has been estranged from the family but is currently making his way from California to visit his father for the first time in nearly a year.

This situation raises intriguing questions about the future of the monarchy.

Could Parliament consider legislation to make Kate, the Princess of Wales, the prospective regent instead of Harry?

It’s a possibility that could reshape the royal landscape and influence public perception of the family.

As the royal family grapples with these health challenges, opinions are divided on Harry’s potential return to royal duties.