The British monarch has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace announced
King Charles III’s physical appearance left one royal expert concerned before his cancer diagnosis was announced.
“For a while now, I’ve noticed that King Charles appears fatigued and emotionally strained, although I initially attributed this to grief, his demanding duties, and familial tensions,” shared royal broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard with US Newzs Digital.
“I believe grief has impacted Charles, as it would anyone who cares deeply, but he has tremendous support and affection from his family and all members of the working royals,” she remarked. “Prince William has resumed his duties. The Princess Royal is as active as ever, and so is Queen Camilla. However, I do sympathize with Queen Camilla. She’s under considerable pressure as she ensures her husband’s happiness and well-being. Thankfully, she possesses a kind, joyful, and resilient nature, which is precisely what is needed during this sensitive period.”
Buckingham Palace revealed on Monday that the 75-year-old monarch has been diagnosed with cancer and has started treatment. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed by the palace, but it was clarified that it is unrelated to the recent treatment for a non-cancerous prostate condition.
The palace mentioned that during Charles’ treatment for an enlarged prostate last month, a separate health concern was identified. This resulted in a three-night stay at a London hospital.
“Diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement.
Charles ascended to the throne upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. England’s longest-reigning monarch died in 2022 at age 96.
British broadcaster and commentator Jonathan Sacerdoti conveyed to US Newzs Digital that the king has upheld a composed demeanor. He believes any hint of solemnity could be attributed to the loss of his cherished mother rather than any physical health issues.
“Grief has probably deeply affected King Charles over the past few years,” he said. “Losing one’s parents, especially someone as influential and central to one’s life as Queen Elizabeth II was to King Charles, can have profound effects. The time following the queen’s passing has been one of significant change and adaptation for Charles, not just on a personal level, but also in his new role as monarch. This shift, along with the duty of guiding the royal family during a period of national mourning, could certainly lead to stress and its physical symptoms.”
“Grief can show itself in both physical and emotional forms,” Sacerdoti added. “It’s possible that the stress and sadness after [the queen’s] death could have affected his appearance and general health. Members of the royal family, despite being public figures, face personal struggles and health issues just like anyone else.”
Despite facing this personal setback, numerous royal experts remain optimistic that the king will swiftly recuperate and return to his duties, as he desires.
“Physically, Charles has always been quite resilient – an excellent horseman, a keen skier, and a seemingly tireless hiker,” Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” shared with US Newzs Digital.
“Beginning with a series of childhood illnesses – chronic tonsillitis, severe flu episodes necessitating hospitalization, an emergency appendectomy, and a broken ankle from a fall down palace stairs – Charles experienced several broken bones and a severely injured back from playing polo. He was even hit by a bus while cycling in Cambridge. However, he has always recovered resiliently.”
“I haven’t observed any signs that Charles has appeared or behaved unwell,” Andersen remarked. “He has truly embraced his role as king, and it’s evident. Despite a demanding schedule of travel and engagements, King Charles has remained his usual energetic self. That’s why the news of his health issues has surprised everyone.”
“The notion that he has been significantly affected by grief following the passing of his 96-year-old mother 18 months ago seems unlikely to me,” Andersen added.
A source familiar with the king confided to People magazine, claiming that “he hasn’t seemed like his usual self.”
“I attribute it to grief – he experienced two losses in quick succession [his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and his father Prince Philip in April 2021], but perhaps he wasn’t in good health without realizing it. It could have taken a toll on him.”
However, indications suggest that the health situation isn’t severe. Prince Harry, who made a swift journey from California to visit his father, departed London on Wednesday after spending approximately 24 hours in the U.K., as reported by The Sun. His elder brother, Prince William, also resumed his public duties on the same day.
On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak informed BBC Radio that the king’s cancer was in its early stages.
Chard also noted that although the king has temporarily withdrawn from public duties while undergoing treatment, he remains just as occupied.
“He is managing his paperwork… obligations, staying updated with the privy council, and holding weekly meetings with the prime minister,” she mentioned. “I can imagine him diligently working through his paperwork with great speed.”
“The fact that he is in such good shape is encouraging, as I’m confident his immune system will remain robust, aiding him in his battle against cancer,” she expressed. “King Charles maintains a positive mindset and strong faith, which will help him overcome any challenges or ‘the time remaining that God grants me.'”
Sacerdoti also remarked that the royal family is “a closely bonded unit,” providing Charles with all the support necessary during his recovery.
“The united front displayed by the royal family during public engagements and their shared dedication to their royal responsibilities indicate a structure of mutual support. It’s evident that, despite their exceptional position, the royal family encounters challenges akin to any other family grappling with health concerns, loss, and the imperative to stand by one another. These circumstances underscore the delicate equilibrium they must uphold between their personal lives and public obligations, navigating individual hardships while fulfilling their commitments to the public and the Commonwealth.”
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich expressed her optimism about the king’s recovery, highlighting his longstanding commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
“We’re discussing minimal alcohol intake, no smoking, and regular exercise,” Fordwich stated. “He was an enthusiastic polo player until recently… His staff members have mentioned how challenging it is to keep pace with him during hikes. Throughout his life, he’s been recognized as a diligent worker. Harry even mentioned this in his memoir ‘Spare,’ recounting how often he would fall asleep at his desk late into the night.”
“In the 1980s, before ‘organic’ became commonplace in many households, Prince Charles was an early advocate of organic food,” she remarked.
According to the palace, the king “remains completely optimistic about his treatment and eagerly anticipates resuming full public duties at the earliest opportunity.” He is receiving treatment as an outpatient.
“Frankly, I think that no one was more surprised by his cancer diagnosis than the king,” said Andersen. “Charles doesn’t look or act like he weights the world on his shoulders. He’s not losing weight. His steps aren’t halting. He does not seem worn down or depressed. He is engaged as ever, by all accounts. Keep in mind that we are talking about a 75-year-old here. Of course, all that could change, and quickly. This is why the palace should share more details about His Majesty’s cancer diagnosis – the type and the prognosis.”