On May 1, 2024, a Facebook account shared an article from its own “nostalgia enthusiasts” website claiming that King Charles III’s funeral plans had been updated because his battle with cancer was not going well. The article’s headline read: “King Charles’ Funeral Plans Updated As His Cancer Prognosis Looking Grim.” Similar posts were shared on various news outlets’ accounts, garnering over 5.7 million interactions. The story originated from a U.S. news website, The Daily Beast, and cited anonymous sources. The article claimed that King Charles III’s funeral plans were being regularly updated as he is reportedly “very unwell.”
The Daily Beast article, published on April 25, 2024, stated that officials were reviewing a document titled “Operation Menai Bridge,” which is the codeword for King Charles’ death. Friends of the king revealed to The Daily Beast that his health is “not good,” with one source mentioning that he is “really very unwell.” The article also mentioned that the king’s funeral plans were being updated, and a document examining the events following Queen Elizabeth II’s death was circulating within the British government. Buckingham Palace and the British Cabinet Office did not respond to formal requests for comment on the claims made in the article.
In March 2024, another unproven rumor surfaced when a celebrity gossip magazine reported that King Charles III had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given only two years to live. The magazine’s article also relied on quotes from anonymous sources. However, at the time of this writing, Buckingham Palace had not disclosed any worsening of the king’s cancer diagnosis. In fact, the latest statement from the palace mentioned that Charles “will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation.”
On May 3, 2024, King Charles III made a public appearance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire. This appearance came shortly after the rumors surrounding his health and funeral plans had circulated online. The king was seen hugging Zara Tindall at the event, showing no visible signs of his reported deteriorating health. Buckingham Palace has only issued two statements regarding the king’s health since February 5, 2024, none of which referenced his cancer prognosis being grim. The rumors regarding King Charles III’s health and funeral plans remain unverified due to the lack of official confirmation.
The uncertainty surrounding King Charles III’s health and funeral plans has sparked widespread speculation and gossip on social media platforms. Various news outlets, including The Daily Beast, shared articles based on anonymous sources, leading to a flurry of interactions and discussions online. Despite the lack of concrete evidence supporting the claims made in these articles, the rumors continue to circulate, with Buckingham Palace maintaining silence on the matter. The king’s public appearances, such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show, provide some reassurance to the public, but the uncertainty surrounding his health still looms large.
As the rumors surrounding King Charles III’s health persist, the public is left in a state of uncertainty and speculation. The lack of clarity from Buckingham Palace and the reliance on anonymous sources in news articles have contributed to the confusion surrounding the monarch’s well-being. While the king’s recent public appearance may offer some relief, the conflicting reports regarding his health and funeral plans continue to generate debate and discussion. Only time will tell if the truth behind these rumors will be revealed, or if the speculation surrounding King Charles III will persist indefinitely.
