After learning of his cancer, King Charles III. Receiving well wishes from all over the world. The fact that the palace provides information so openly about diagnoses is new – and is seen as a sign of modernization.
Just a week ago, King Charles III. discharged from hospital after prostate surgery. On Sunday he appeared happily waving alongside his wife Camilla while attending church in northern England.
On Monday evening, the shocking news was broken by the British media: Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer following his prostate operation ten days ago. It was not prostate cancer, but no further details were given.
It was said that the king had begun regular outpatient treatment and was in good spirits. Doctors advised the 75-year-old not to attend any public appointments during treatment. However, King Charles wanted to continue to read and sign government papers and attend weekly appointments with the Prime Minister.
Get well wishes from around the world
Immediately after the news, the first good wishes arrived from all over the world, from church representatives to athletes. US President Joe Biden expressed concern about the British King’s cancer diagnosis on the sidelines of an appointment in Las Vegas. He had only found out about it recently and hoped to be able to speak to Charles soon.
Even if it was not stated exactly what type of cancer it was, it is unusual for the royal family to publish such diagnoses at all. This is definitely an innovation, said historian Sarah Gristwood on the BBC: “It is a sign that Charles is changing the monarchy and wants to adapt it to modern requirements. Until now, a monarch’s vulnerability has always been carefully hidden behind the palace walls.”
Charles wants to avoid speculation
Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, was much more discreet with information about her illnesses. In this context, the extent to which the public had a right to be informed about the health of their head of state was repeatedly discussed.
According to the palace, it was Charles himself who placed value on open communication. He wanted to avoid speculation and hoped to create more understanding for all those around the world who suffer from cancer themselves.
Camilla and William attend appointments
Now that Charles is out for an indefinite period of time, other members of the royal family have to step in for him. Last year the king attended more than 500 appointments.
Queen Camilla will stick to her planned program and heir to the throne William, who has been looking after his wife Kate, who is also ill, in recent weeks, will also be back in action from Wednesday, the palace announced. At the same time as Charles’ prostate procedure, Princess Kate underwent planned abdominal surgery and had to stay in the clinic for two weeks. She should only be able to attend public appointments again after Easter.
Charles informed Söhne personally
Since Charles wants to continue to make important signatures as head of state, there is currently no need to appoint so-called “Councillors of State”, explained constitutional lawyer Craig Prescott on the BBC: “If the case arises that Charles has to be represented, then he has to do the so-called ‘ Letters Patent’ and two confidants could then sign on his behalf.”
The most likely scenario would be that Queen Camilla and Prince William would initially take on this task. The palace said that Charles personally informed his two sons William and Harry and his siblings about the cancer diagnosis.
Prince Harry wants to travel to London
Prince Harry, who has been at odds with his family for a long time and lives in California, has since confirmed that he will travel to his father in London. At least that might be a silver lining on the horizon despite all the tragedy, said historian Sarah Gristwood: “Perhaps it took such a dramatic development for reconciliation to actually become possible.”
Gabi Biesinger, ARD London, tagesschau, February 6th, 2024 1:08 a.m