King Charles and Prince William alter schedules amid U.K. political turmoil

King Charles and Prince William have called off all their scheduled royal engagements for this week.

King Charles and Prince William are adjusting their schedules amid a political upheaval in the U.K. 

Following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's call for a surprise general election on July 4, both royals, aged 75 and 41 respectively, have canceled their engagements for the rest of the week. 

King Charles had outings planned for May 23 and 24, while Prince William also had a royal engagement scheduled for this week, all of which have been abruptly canceled. 

Buckingham Palace stated on May 22 that the royal family will continue to postpone engagements "which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign." 

These adjustments come as King Charles resumes public duties amid cancer treatment, while Kate Middleton, Prince William's wife, has reduced her public outings following her cancer diagnosis. 

The palace aims to ensure the public's focus remains on the election and key issues. 

While future plans for King Charles and Prince William remain uncertain, the palace spokesperson mentioned the royal family's intention to postpone engagements that could be perceived as conflicting during the election period, apologizing to those affected. 

Events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, including King Charles' first overseas trip since his cancer diagnosis, are expected to proceed as planned, while others are under review. 

Classic June events on the royal calendar such as Trooping the Colour and Order of the Garter Day remain uncertain. 

Despite the political climate, both Prince William and King Charles continued their duties on the day of the election announcement. 

The Prince of Wales led a morning investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on behalf of his father, while King Charles hosted an afternoon reception for the winners of The Prince Trust Awards 2024 at Buckingham Palace.