I'm spending the weekend with family and have been largely offline. I skimmed
through Twitter this morning and saw photos of King Charles and Queen Camilla, waving and smiling as they made their stroll to St. Mary Magdalene church
this morning. Very much business as usual, I thought. An encouraging sign,
following a three-night stay at the London Clinic for an enlarged
prostate. Over the course of January, amidst two royal hospitalisations,
I think it's correct to say, the general feeling was one of "routine" with the
King. We've all been far more worried about the Princess of Wales, who spent
thirteen nights at the London Clinic following "abdominal surgery". The King
left via the front door -- in an act he was widely praised for -- ensuring the
spotlight was on him, the cameras had their "shot", therefore allowing Kate to
exit privately. With that said, you can imagine my complete shock when I read a Buckingham Palace statement confirming His Majesty has
cancer.
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It's a wholly unexpected development and deeply worrying news. I know there
were plans for a packed year for the King, filled with visits up and down the
country, and indeed tours all over the world. The mere idea 2024 would see two
senior royals out of action, followed by this diagnosis for the King, is truly
something I never dreamt of. The church photos from this morning take on an
additional meaning now, the very definition of "keeping calm and carrying on".
A visual message to the nation, perhaps, ahead of what will prove to be a
rigorous programme of treatment.
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The aforementioned mentioned Buckingham Palace statement continued with the King's wish
to be open and transparent about his health: "During The King’s recent
hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of
concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of
cancer." Whilst seeking to reassure the public: "He remains wholly
positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public
duty as soon as possible." It's important to note this level of disclosure
from a monarch regarding their health is unprecedented in the UK.
The type of cancer and its stage have not been
revealed, and I would expect that information to remain private. The immediate
focus will be rightfully on the King's treatment. He will be stepping
back from public-facing duties for the time being, though. With duty always at
the very forefront of his mind, he will attend to his red boxes and other
important affairs when required. Before the news was shared publicly, Charles
personally informed immediate family members, including his sons William and
Harry. William is in Windsor with Kate and the children while the Princess
recovers. It's been widely reported the Duke of Sussex plans to fly to the UK
from California tomorrow.
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Queen Camilla was a constant visitor to the London Clinic during her husband's
stay. She will be by his side as he begins out-patient treatment and focuses
on his health over the next several months. Camilla has been keeping a busy
schedule of engagements and intends to continue with her full scheduled
programme as the King undergoes treatment. Earlier this week, Camilla opened a
new cancer centre in her capacity as president of Maggie's, which will
provide expert care and support for free for those with cancer and their loved
ones.
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Camilla will be ploughing on with her work, as will the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, however it now falls to William, as
heir and Prince of Wales to step in for essential events. The timing, with
Kate recovering, is unfortunate to say the least, but it is now incumbent upon
William as his father's "liege man of life and limb", and ultimately as future king, to assume his father's essential diary commitments. William, who has been
off duties since Kate's surgery, was scheduled to undertake a couple of
engagements on Wednesday. It will now be a case of looking at the King's
diary, investitures, liaising with No. 10 and being very much on hand when
needed. For now, a raft of overseas (a great deal of Commonwealth travel) will
need to be postponed for the King and discussions had internally on deputising
others. I've long felt the British way of monarchs undertaking such arduous
and exhausting schedules so far into retirement age is simply an unsustainable
situation with far too much expectation which simply doesn't allow for the
toll it takes. Charles's schedule over the past year has been dizzying.
Following the recent abdication of Queen Margrethe in Denmark, I do believe
it's a model we're going to see with future generations.
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Kate, who is not expected to resume duties until at least April, will be
surrounded by the Middleton family, Nanny Maria, and of course dedicated
care from a trusted medical team. We've had no further official update, though
it's been said repeatedly Kate may opt to share more details in due course. I
imagine she's just happy to be back at home with the children.
Scenes outside Buckingham Palace tonight.
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I was watching BBC Newsnight, and host Victoria Derbyshire remarked Charles
is now part of the "cancer community". A close family friend was diagnosed
last autumn, and the impact it has on a family as a whole is shattering. The
uncertainty, the fear, the challenges various treatments present. I sincerely
wish the King a full and speedy recovery. I know we'll all be thinking of him
and the entire family as they navigate a trying time. I'll leave you with a
look at the cover of The Times.
If you would like to learn more about Maggie's - Everyone's Home of Cancer
Care, or support their work, please
click here. I know many
of you have been impacted by cancer, and continue to be. I'm thinking of each
of you tonight.