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Since announcing a cancer diagnosis, King Charles has stepped away from public duty.

He is forgoing his public duties but is expected to continue with the formal constitutional affairs of the state, the paperwork, and private meetings like regular weekly sessions with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The royal had chosen not to reveal the type of cancer as doctors treated his illness, which came after recent treatment of an enlarged prostate when the discovery was made. But he has dispelled the myth that it’s prostate cancer.

Though there is no indication of the severity or the stage of the diagnosis, Buckingham Palace has royal provisions in place if Charles cannot perform his duties.

Who are the Counsellors of State?

Two counsellors considered senior members of the royal family, can be appointed to act on his behalf. They would sign papers, attend Privy Council meetings, and accept new ambassadors.

But there may be no plans to appoint counsellors.

State Counsellors were routinely appointed when Queen Elizabeth was out of the country on an overseas tour. Also, some were appointed last year when King Charles visited Romania on holiday.

They were also appointed for the state opening of the British Parliament in the spring of 2022 when Queen Elizabeth suffered mobility and health concerns which limited her public duties.

What about Prince William?

King Charles’ son, Prince William, next in line to the throne, could be appointed under the Regency Act of 1937, in which his powers would be withdrawn.

For this to occur, there has to be medical evidence “that the Sovereign is by reason of infirmity of mind or body incapable for the time being of performing the royal functions” or “is for some definite cause not available for the performance of those functions.”

Other royals can step in– Queen Camilla, Harry, Andrew, and Princess Beatrice. In 2022, the King expanded this pool of family members to include his siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward. If this option was sanctioned over the coming weeks or months, it is unlikely the Dukes of Sussex (Meghan and Harry) or York (Prince Andrew) would be directed to step up since they are no longer working royals.

A panel of four must be satisfied with the evidence by a majority vote– Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lord Chief Justice of England, the Master of the Rolls, and The Queen (who died).

They would need to declare their decision in writing and would also declare if or when the King is now ready to resume his duties.

Doctors express concern for Queen Elizabeth and placed her under supervision on Thursday. Fears grow that the 96-year-old may be in dire condition as the Royal Family rush to her side at Balmoral Castle.

Her reign could soon be over.

The Crown has been preparing for her death since the 1960s. It’s called Operation London Bridge.

Here’s what happens when she dies.

The Call

The Queen’s private secretary, Sir Edward Young will call Prime Minister Liz Truss and say “London Bridge is down.”

The Notifications

15 Countries where she is still head of state will be informed of her death including the Bahamas, Jamaica, New Zealand Australia, Canada, Papa New Guinea. Then 38 other countries still under the Commonwealth like Barbados, will receive the news.

Then a footman dressed in black will pin an official notice to the gates of Buckingham palace.

The Alarm

An alarm at BBC, to signal national emergencies will go off. And BBC’s logo, will change from red to black and all anchors will wear black suits and ties.

The Transition of Power

Flags will be lowered to half-mast, and Prince Charles, next in line to the throne, will unofficially become king. He will make his first speech as head of state on the evening of her death.

The day after her death, flags will be raised and at 11 in the morning, UK’s local time. Charles will officially become king and Camilla will become the queen.

He will then tour the U.K., making stops and attending services in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Preparations will be made at Westminster Hall for her funeral.

The Funeral

A procession will take place four days after her death—from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. She will lie in state for four days, then be buried nine days after she dies.

Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 70 years on the British throne and the United Kingdom is throwing street celebrations.

Why it matters

Queen Elizabeth II, head of the Commonwealth, is the longest-serving British monarchy in history. The 96-year-old queen, ascended to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.

Seventy years on the British throne is a once-in-a-generation celebration.

According to Time Magazine, she is the world’s third longest-ruling monarch in modern history.

The big story

As she gets older, Queen Elizabeth has suffered physical challenges identified as episodic mobility in recent months, which prevented her from traveling and participating in national events.

What’s happening

The Queen and members of the royal family gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the 70-aircaft flypast.

Thousands of people flocked to central London for the jubilee celebrations, which began with the Queen’s birthday parade, known as Trooping the Colour.

The Platinum Jubilee celebration included the traditional Trooping the Color birthday parade, a star-studded concert led by Diana Ross and thousands of street parties across the UK.

In her honor, the four-day celebration will end on June 5th.