Cancer-stricken King Charles secretly planning his funeral as he prepares Prince William for succession

LONDON, UK: King Charles III is quietly orchestrating his own funeral plans under the code name 'Operation Menai Bridge.'

The intricate preparations, named after his long tenure as the Prince of Wales, reflect the growing concerns over the 75-year-old monarch's health as he battles cancer.

"The business of planning his funeral has already begun. Unpleasant as it seems," a royal insider revealed. They revealed that while the palace maintains an air of optimism about Charles's recovery, the reality is far more somber. The king, who ascended to the throne at 73, making him the oldest in British history to do so — has faced a grueling health journey.

King Charles struggles with royal duties amid health battles

Diagnosed with cancer shortly after undergoing a "corrective procedure" for benign prostate enlargement, King Charles has since scaled back his public duties significantly.

"The palace is giving the impression that Charles is on the mend, but he's still very sick," a palace insider claimed. "Still, he's the king, and palace officials are practical enough to know death is a possibility."

Despite these challenges, he remains focused on the future of the monarchy. Charles is reportedly preparing his son, Prince William, for the responsibilities of kingship, drawing him into critical decision-making processes. Although the monarch has resumed some of his royal duties, the effort has proven challenging, according to an insider.

"He's making public appearances, but they're for shorter periods of time," the source noted. "He's often whisked in by helicopter and then whisked out. After an engagement, he needs a good rest," per Radar.

King Charles reportedly given 2 years to live after cancer diagnosis

Previously, it was reported that King Charles was given just two years to live following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Looking ahead, Charles is focusing on more than just his state funeral.

As an advocate for modernizing and streamlining the monarchy, he envisions a future where fewer royals have access to the Buckingham Palace balcony during key events like Trooping the Colour. He is particularly interested in reducing the number of minor royals on the palace payroll.

An insider revealed, "With Prince Andrew's sex scandal and Harry and Meghan's exit, there are fewer working royals and no plans to replace them."

As Charles' health continues to decline, his son and heir, Prince William, has increasingly taken on more responsibilities. "William has taken on a bigger role, and Charles has drawn him in on much of the decision-making," the insider shared.

King Charles personally involved in planning his final farewell

Futher, King Charles is also personally involved in shaping his final farewell. Known for his passion for music and nature, he has already begun planning the ceremony to reflect his own tastes, similar to how he arranged his coronation in May 2023.

Palace sources emphasize that his funeral will honor royal traditions while also meeting his specific wishes. "Officials will make sure a funeral for the king meets his wishes and expectations while following proper protocol," the source added. "Charles, at least, can find some peace in that."