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King Charles, who celebrated Christmas with the royals at Sandringham Castle in Norfolk, is now serious about putting certain protocols in place.
The monarch, who had a difficult year during his newborn reign because of his startling cancer diagnosis, will continue his treatment into next year.
Despite his health, Charles is laying the groundwork for the royal family's future as senior royals gather at Sandringham Summit after their Christmas celebrations.
The monarch is said to have sent a severe telegram stating his position, since his son, Prince William, is already preparing for his role as future monarch.
During his South Africa visit last month, the Prince of Wales described the year as "brutal" and "dreadful" because to his wife Kate Middleton's illness fight as well as his father's. However, Palace insiders suggest that the King has a different take on the situation.
"There have been just as many highs as there were lows," a Palace insider told Express.co.uk, noting that the king fulfilled 186 royal engagements this year despite his ongoing cancer treatment.
Dickie Arbiter, Queen Elizabeth's former spokeswoman, said that the King had a more optimistic outlook on his year.
"No, he will not regard it as an annus horribilis [a horrible year]," Arbiter remarked, recalling how the late Queen referred to 1992 as such.
"If you compare the two, in 1992 there was something happening every single month of the year and many thought this is the end of the monarchy."
Despite his personal hardships and widespread reports of abdication, Charles has maintained that the monarchy would remain.
"There's been a lot going on, but the King has always been upbeat," a royal insider told the Daily Mirror. "Not once has he allowed himself to question the future - he's dealt with everything head on."
They said, "Now he's back in business. He has a spring in his step, as well as newfound vitality. Everything is looking up, which is great."
