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King Charles spent his entire life preparing for the throne, and his long-awaited reign finally began when Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022. However, his recent cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment have shaped his time as monarch in ways he likely never anticipated.

Although he took a break last year to focus on his health—reports indicate that his treatment will continue into 2025—he has still prioritized state visits, as demonstrated by his trip to Australia and Samoa with Queen Camilla last fall.

New reports suggest that Charles is preparing for yet another overseas journey. In April, he is expected to visit Italy. But if you ask me, now is not the time for the King to be traveling abroad. Instead, he should focus on preparing for the future. It would be wiser for him to step back from international trips and make the only decision that truly makes sense.

A Lifetime of Preparation

There’s no doubt that King Charles has embraced his role. Having waited over 70 years to ascend the throne, one can imagine that, despite the sorrow of losing Queen Elizabeth, he was ready to take on the responsibilities of ruling.

Since becoming King, Charles has proven to be an advocate for modernizing the monarchy. While carrying out his duties, he frequently stops to engage with well-wishers, often cracking jokes. A viral Instagram clip showed him speaking with American tourists in London, humorously apologizing for causing an inconvenience as the street had been closed for his arrival.

Despite battling cancer, Charles has maintained an upbeat attitude. While his title may have changed from prince to king, the shift likely hasn’t altered his daily life dramatically—aside from the significant increase in responsibilities.

As monarch, Charles has the opportunity to watch his eldest son, Prince William, excel in his role as heir. He also gets to spend precious time with his grandchildren, a joy for any grandparent, whether royal or not.

‘King Charles Should Not Travel Abroad’

Although Charles enjoys certain privileges, his cancer diagnosis last year changed everything. He initially took time off for treatment, yet that didn’t stop him from making the journey to Australia and Samoa.

Reports claim that Charles temporarily paused his treatment for the state visit—a decision approved by his doctors. But realistically, is that what a 76-year-old battling cancer should be doing? In my opinion, no. It’s time for Charles to start preparing Prince William for greater leadership, as he is next in line to the throne.

Much like his father, Prince William has spent his entire life preparing to be king. He already stepped in for Charles on multiple occasions, including representing him at the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris last year. While no one knows exactly when William will inherit the throne, it could be another 20 years if Charles lives as long as his mother.

That being said, Charles’ health and recovery should be the priority. Traveling within the UK is one thing—trips can be managed comfortably by train. However, long-haul flights, back-to-back engagements, and countless meetings are hardly suitable for a 76-year-old undergoing cancer treatment.

The reality is that international state visits, with their demanding schedules, could take a significant toll on Charles’ physical and mental well-being.

‘Prince William is Ready for More Responsibility’

Prince William is often viewed as the future of a stable monarchy. According to a YouGov poll in late 2024, he ranked as the third most popular royal, following his wife, Kate Middleton, and—rather morbidly—the late Queen Elizabeth II. He is already preparing to take the throne one day, and representing his father on major international visits would be the perfect way to gain experience in leadership.

Now is the time for Charles to entrust William with greater responsibilities, showing the public that the monarchy remains strong and is making sensible decisions. Without public support—both in the UK and globally—the monarchy cannot endure.

If Charles chooses to travel to Italy himself, it could have serious consequences. A king neglecting his health and failing to prioritize the future of the Crown is not a good look. He doesn’t need to abdicate—he simply needs to let his son assist him in securing the monarchy’s future.

Unfortunately, even small missteps can lead to bigger problems down the road.

What do you think? Do you agree with the author’s perspective?