Royal Author Robert Hardman has detailed the pressure facing Prince William as he returns to duties, following the news of King Charles's cancer diagnosis.
On Monday, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement that the King had been diagnosed with a "form of cancer" and is receiving treatment.
The statement read that the King is "wholly positive" following his diagnosis, and will be postponing "all public-facing duties" until he is back to full health.
Prince William and Queen Camilla are expected to step up their royal engagements in his absence, as well as the absence of Princess Kate.
Robert Hardman says Prince William will cover for King Charles for a 'huge' royal day
PA / GB News
The Princess of Wales is recovering at Adelaide Cottage after undergoing a "successful" abdominal procedure.
Prince William had postponed his own royal engagements to look after his wife as well as their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Amid the pressure mounting on the Prince of Wales, his estranged brother Prince Harry flew into London on Tuesday for a meeting with the King. The meeting was said to have lasted a "maximum of 45 minutes".
It has been reported that Prince William has "no plans" to meet with his brother while he is visiting the UK.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have travelled to Sandringham after meeting with Prince Harry at Clarence House
PA
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Speaking to GB News, Robert Hardman says an "enormous demand" has been placed upon the Prince of Wales, and he will be seen as the "outward facing leader of the monarchy" in the King and Princesses absence.
Hardman explained: "It's a lot for him, but he'll rise to the challenge. I think it's good that we're going to see him today, investitures are a key part of what the monarchy does.
"And with the King now out of action, people should rightly receive their awards in the proper way."
He then said a "huge" day in the royal diary for March, Commonwealth Day, will "most likely" be lead by Prince William, adding that the Prince will need to "rethink his diary at speed".
Robert Hardman says Prince William will need to 'rethink his diary at speed'
GB News
Praising the Prince, host Isabel Webster said: "We were talking about yesterday how he was staring his destiny in the eye.
"And you ask anybody who has lost a parent in traumatic circumstances to then have your remaining parents suddenly infirm, whether you're William or Harry, that's got to be triggering in some way. But he has this unique future ahead of him."
Hardman agreed, responding: "I'm very much reminded of those early days of covid as far as the King is concerned, those sort of covid protocols where constitutional business goes on.
"But you also have the Councillors of State, where two members of the family step in if there's a temporary absence, and that's been used largely in the past when monarchs have been abroad, very occasionally when they've been ill."
