Britain's royal family is down to its last 9 working royals, many of them older and obscure

Mikhaila FrielMar 25, 2024, 23:29 IST

Prince William, Queen Camilla, and Princess Anne.Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images, Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

Kate Middleton and King Charles have both announced they're undergoing cancer treatment.
Their temporary withdrawal leaves only nine working royals, most of whom are in their 70s and 80s.

With Kate Middleton and King Charles temporarily out of action, Britain's royal family has relatively few people holding the fort.

Kate, 42, announced on Friday that she had been diagnosed with cancer and that she was undergoing chemotherapy.

Charles, 75, said in February that he had cancer and that he would temporarily step back from public-facing duties.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have not been working royals since 2020.

The latest announcements leave the royal family in a vulnerable situation. The monarchy is now reduced to a handful of working royals. The majority are in their 70s and 80s, which is older than the UK's state retirement age of 66.

Here's a complete rundown of all the remaining royals as Kate and Charles focus on their health.

Prince William, 41, is heir to the throne — but is cutting back on some work to support his wife.

The Prince of Wales attends the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 11.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Queen Camilla, 76, has stepped up during the king's absence.

Queen Camilla attends the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 11.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince Edward, 60, is supporting Camilla with increased duties.

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, attends the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 13, 2023, in London.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, 59, wasn't always a working royal.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show on July 3, 2021 in Windsor, England.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Princess Anne, 73, is one of the busiest royals.

Princess Anne attends day three of Royal Ascot on June 22, 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince Richard, 79, ranks lower in the line of succession.

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester attends the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 11.CHRIS Jackson GETTY IMAGES

Like her husband, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, 77, keeps a low profile.

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester attends the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 11Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, 88, is the oldest working royal.

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attends a Service of Thanksgiving to mark 200 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) at Westminster Abbey on March 4.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, 87, appears to be the lowest-ranking of the working royals.

Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy attends a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 14, 2022.Karwai Tang/Getty Images

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