In an unexpected development, Buckingham Palace has issued a statement revealing that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. The Palace’s statement outlines that His Majesty, aged 75, commenced a schedule of regular treatments following the diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace has outlined how the monarch’s royal duties will proceed during his treatment. While King Charles is “wholly positive” about his treatment, he will refrain from public duties, focusing instead on formal constitutional affairs of state and private meetings. Although there are provisions for appointing counsellors of state if the monarch is unable to fulfill their duties temporarily due to illness or being overseas, such measures have not been indicated at this time.
In the absence of King Charles and his daughter-in-law, Princess Catherine, who continues to recover from abdominal surgery, other senior members of the royal family are expected to take on more prominent roles. Prince William, in particular, will resume public appearances after supporting his wife during her recovery, including attending events on behalf of the King.
The counsellors of state, including Queen Camilla and the next four individuals in the line of succession older than 21, could officially stand in for King Charles if necessary. However, the decision to appoint them rests with the monarch, and there is flexibility in this process.
Prince William is expected to step in to cover some of his father’s duties, alongside managing his own engagements. The announcement also confirmed that Prince Harry, currently residing in the United States, will be traveling to the UK to visit his father in the coming days, underscoring a familial unity in times of adversity.
As the King embarks on his treatment journey, the Palace has yet to confirm the status of his upcoming tours, including visits to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa. Speculation abounds regarding the potential adjustments to his itinerary, pending his return to full public duties.