Prince William’s diagnosis of COVID-19 – which was revealed last week after being kept secret for six months – caused his grandmother the Queen more than a few anxious moments.
William came down with the virus in April, shortly after his father Prince Charles contracted it, and Her Majesty was not only worried about their well being, but had to consider the awful worst-case scenario that both of them might have died from the potentially deadly virus.
“If the unthinkable had happened and Charles and William had passed away, the next in line after the Queen would be Prince George, who is seven years old,” says royal historian Kate Williams. “If she died, he would not rule as king in the traditional sense until he was 18, but a regency council would be appointed who would carry out duties in his name.”
A regency council would include other senior royals, but the trouble is, the next two adults in the line of succession are Prince Harry, who is no longer a working royal, and Prince Andrew, who has stepped back from public life because of his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Thankfully, a constitutional crisis was avoided because father and son have fully recovered, and even though she’s 94, the Queen is still able to rule. But it was worrying, says a palace insider.
This story is from the November 23, 2020 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 23, 2020 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mamma's milk bar WENDY'S HERBAL HELPER
When she had trouble breastfeeding, she found a solution that's got mums pumped
IVF egg-swap babies 'IT WAS THE BEST DECISION!'
In a bid for a deeper connection, the loving couple carried each other's baby and sometimes feed the other one's bub too!
Ahoy there, Verity! THE PIRATE OF GARNET STATION
The local legend's making a swashbuckling return to the stage
Take Two & add a farm! HOW DANIELLE FOUND HER BLISS
The Kiwi author's country crush is contagious and has led to some bestsellers
Nobody mention air fryers 'THE GADGET WE CAN'T AGREE ON!'
Parents Andrea and Mark run their busy households in very different ways
Bonnie's next chapter 'QUEEN CAMILLA MADE ME CONFESS!'
The bestselling author's next project is top secret... to everyone but Her Majesty
Davida and the Dames OUR MOTHER'S DAY MAGIC
It's a special celebration for Miranda Harcourt and her daughter - their beloved matriach Kate is back on her feet
NO GOING BACK
Harry's preserving his dignity after having to move out of home
Carole's a real queen! WILLIAM'S GO-TO IN A CRISIS
The heir and his mother-in-law have become firm friends as they care for Kate and the kids
It takes a village HEATHER'S MOTHERHOOD SECRETS
She may have lost herself a little, but the radio star's embracing life with Iggy