The argument is stark: if the institution itself were in jeopardy, wisdom might lie in stepping aside, allowing Prince William to assume the mantle and usher in a new era.
Such a move would be unprecedented in modern British history, but not inconceivable. In that scenario, Charles could retreat from public duty, spending his remaining years with Queen Camilla at Highgrove, while a younger generation reshapes the monarchy for the future.
For now, this remains speculation. But in a moment of uncertainty and mounting scrutiny, even the unthinkable no longer feels entirely impossible.
