Major royal revealed as ‘glue’ holding slimmed-down monarchy together as Kate Middleton and King Charles out of action
A MAJOR royal has been revealed as the “glue” holding the slimmed-down monarchy together as Kate Middleton and King Charles are out of action.
The monarch, 75, is prepping to head into hospital for an enlarged prostate next week while the Princess of Wales is currently recovering from planned abdominal surgery.
Both key royals are currently absent from their duties – with Prince William also taking a step back to care for his wife and kids, Prince Georgie, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
With three major firm members “falling off the top” this week, people are questioning who will show up for engagements.
When the King ascended to the throne, he made Princess Anne and King Edward councillors of state – replacing Prince Harry and Andrew after they stepped down from their working posts.
Councillors of state are picked to carry out duties on behalf of the King if he is ever ill or abroad.
Princess Anne has now been dubbed as the glue holding the family together during this time while Camilla and Wills take care of their spouses.
Royal expert and author Angela Levin has told The Sun that it’s a “very very difficult” time for the family and Anne’s hard-working nature is needed.
She said: “I find it extremely worrying because in a way the Royal Family is a connection to your own family, you know how they progress, you know when a baby has arrived.
“To see three of them fall off the top is very very difficult.
“The late Queen always felt she had to be seen to be believed and if you can’t see the three people at the top it’s difficult.
“You feel very disjointed from it all.
“I was very concerned that maybe Harry would be next in charge to stand in for the King, this is what I always hoped would never happen.
“You can rely on Princess Anne 100 per cent. She would work extremely hard.
“Edward and his wife would also do a lot but I don’t think the King will be out for long.
“Camilla has already said he can’t wait to get back to work.”
It comes after Charles was spotted for the first time on Friday following the announcement.
He left his private home Birkhall, in Aberdeenshire, in the back seat of an Audi.
His Majesty’s condition is “benign” and next week’s surgery will be “a corrective procedure”.
Buckingham Palace added: “In guidance: His Majesty was keen to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice.”
Princess Anne's opinion on a slimmed-down monarchy
Princess Anne claimed a slimmed-down monarchy doesn’t sound like a good idea.
The Princess Royal, 72, said she thought the suggestion was made when there were “a few more people around”.
In recent years, the royal family has shifted towards a more streamlined operation, focusing on those at the top of the line of succession.
Anne revealed her thoughts on the issue during a revealing interview with Canadian public broadcaster CBC.
CBC chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault raised the idea of a slimmed-down monarchy and said it is difficult to imagine how the princess would have the time to take on more work.
Anne replied: “Well, I think the ‘slimmed-down’ (monarchy) was said in a day when there were a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment.”
When it was put to her that the world changes, Anne said: “It changes a bit. I mean, it doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I have to say. I’m not quite sure what else, you know, we can do.”
Anne was asked if there are “conversations about relevance”, and she replied: “There will be, everywhere. It’s not a conversation that I would necessarily have.
“I think it’s perfectly true that it is a moment where you need to have that discussion.
“But I would just underline that the monarchy provides, with the constitution, a degree of long-term stability that is actually quite hard to come by any other way.”
The King’s health shock came just hours after Kensington Palace said the Princess of Wales, 42, had undergone a successful abdominal operation.
She was admitted to hospital for surgery and was visited by husband Prince William yesterday at a London hospital.
Kate’s procedure – which was planned and not cancer-linked – took place at the London Clinic in the capital on Tuesday.
A statement said the mum-of-three will remain in hospital for ten to 14 days and is “unlikely” to return to public duties until after Easter.
It is understood that hubby Prince William was by Kate’s side on Tuesday and again on Wednesday.
Angela added how a slimmed-down monarchy “is good” but losing the leaders this week is concerning.
Despite King Charles wanting the monarchy to become smaller, Princess Anne, has said the idea of it doesn’t sound like a good idea.