What does King Charles actually do as Britain’s head of state? Queen Camilla and Prince William can stand in for him as he battles cancer, from Buckingham Palace meetings to giving the King’s Speech

Feb 14 , 2024

King Charles III has been diagnosed with a “form of cancer”, according to a statement released by Buckingham Palace on February 5 – but what does he actually do as Britain’s head of state? Photo: @RoyalFamily/X

Palace officials say that while King Charles plans to continue with state business and official paperwork during his cancer treatment, he’s stepping back from public engagements

Queen Camilla and Prince William can stand in for Charles, like he did for Queen Elizabeth – and while Harry isn’t expected to take up royal duties, he did fly to London from California to see his dad

The news of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis has not only shocked many as the royal is famous for living a healthy lifestyle, but it has also refocused attention on the responsibilities of Britain’s monarch and revived a central question about the country’s centuries-old system of government: what does the king actually do?

Britain’s King Charles leaves the London Clinic after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate in London, Britain, on January 29. Photo: Reuters

Under Britain’s constitutional monarchy, the king is head of state but must remain politically neutral and leave policymaking to the elected Parliament. He is obliged to follow the government’s advice and not act on his own opinions.

But even in his largely ceremonial job, Charles performs a number of duties integral to the running of the UK.

What are King Charles’ duties as Britain’s head of state?

King Charles, wearing the Imperial state crown, waves from the Buckingham Palace balcony after viewing the Royal Air Force fly-past in central London after his coronation in May 2023. Photo: AFP

His most visible role is at the annual State Opening of Parliament, where the monarch sets out the government’s agenda in a formal address. The speech is written by the government and contains a summary of the legislation proposed for the forthcoming parliamentary session.

Charles, 75, first delivered the King’s Speech in November, although he delivered the last Queen’s Speech of his mother’s reign on her behalf in 2022 when she dropped out due to health issues.

The monarch also gives royal assent to bills passed by Parliament, meaning that all legislation must receive his sign-off to become law. He or she plays a similar part in appointing new prime ministers and Cabinet members.

King Charles delivers a speech during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords Chamber, in London, Britain, in November 2023. Photo: Reuters

The sovereign dissolves Parliament before a general election and invites the leader of the party that won to become prime minister and to form a government.