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It was certainly not the news royal fans were expecting after his successful prostate surgery. But King Charles’ shocking cancer diagnosis has come with a bit of a silver lining.
The 75-year-old is said to be “hugely positive” as his condition has reportedly been caught very early on and the prognosis is good.
The type of cancer the monarch if being treated for has not been made public, however, the palace has confirmed it's not prostate cancer.
A statement from Buckingham Palace: https://t.co/zmYuaWBKw6
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 5, 2024
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Charles will reportedly return to London this week from Sandringham to start out-patient treatment at an undisclosed hospital. According to friends and family, he is determined to carry on with “business as usual”.
While he will be temporarily stepping back from public duties, it’s believed he will be carrying on with behind-the-scenes state business and official papers.
His diagnosis, which comes just 15 months into his reign, has raised the all-important question: how will the monarchy continue to function without several of its most senior members?
The direct heir, Prince William (41), has been out of action as he continues to care for his wife at their home in Windsor. Kate (42), the Princess of Wales, is recovering from abdominal surgery.
READ MORE | Kate and Charles’ health woes reveal the perils of a slimmed-down monarchy
Kate's medical issue has not been made public, but she will reportedly only return to her royal duties after Easter.
In the aftermath of his father’s health news William may step in for Charles on some engagements. The prince will conduct an investiture at Windsor Castle on Wednesday following a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance.
Charles reportedly phoned all his immediate family, including his estranged son Prince Harry (39), to break the news to them.
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Along with William, the rest of the senior working royals will be stepping up to stand in for the sovereign, most notably Charles' wife, Queen Camilla, his sister Princess Anne, and younger brother Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
While Camilla (77) will remain at her husband's side throughout his treatment, she has insisted on continuing with her public engagements.
Speculation has arisen as to whether Charles may hand over the reins to William sooner rather than later in light of his medical issues. However everything points to him having no intention to abdicate. He hopes to return to his duties as soon as possible.
READ MORE | Princess Anne disagrees with Charles: a slimmed-down monarchy is not a good idea
Royal author Hugo Vickers, whose books include Coronation, told Page Six, “Charles will never abdicate. He’s an anointed king and he’s promised to serve to the end – and I don’t think he would want to abdicate.”
However there is legislation in place – The Regency Act – which comes into effect if a reigning monarch becomes “incapacitated” due to illness or other issues.
If the act is invoked, counsellors of state appointed by the sovereign can carry out royal functions on the monarch's behalf.
Up until 2022 the counsellors were the king’s partner and the next four in line to the throne: William, the Prince of Wales, Harry, the Duke of Sussex, Andrew, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice.
However following Megxit and the fall from royal grace of Prince Andrew, Charles changed the act so it would only apply to working royals.
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Despite their strained relationship, Harry, who calls Charles “Pa”, reportedly left the US on Monday to fly home to visit his father. It’s believed he will stay at Buckingham Palace.
Harry no longer has an official home in the UK after giving up Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Estate after he and his wife Meghan quit as working members of the royal family.
It’s unclear whether Harry and William will meet up – the brothers are currently not on speaking terms.
The king also opted to share his cancer diagnosis with the nation.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
“The king is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
“He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
Sources: dailymail.co.uk, pagesix.com
