His sense of duty knows no limits to his health: King Charles, who was suffering from cancer, is attending public appointments again after a period of withdrawal during his therapy. And suddenly his agenda for the coming months is full again. A development that son William reportedly views with great concern.
He looks pale, noticeably thinner: King Charles, 75, has visibly lost ground during his cancer treatment, which has now lasted around four months. Nevertheless, he has a smile on his face and conveys confidence, even strength. The monarch has been back to daily business for a few days and already has a busy schedule. A comeback with a signal effect, which apparently gives the heir to the throne Prince William, 41, a stomach ache.
King Charles doesn’t take a break
It’s no secret that Charles is considered a workhorse in palace circles. The monarch already had a lot of irons in the fire during his decades-long wait, took on countless obligations in the service of the crown as the future king, acted as a patron of numerous organizations, was fully committed to environmental protection and campaigned for the preservation of historic buildings.
When he ascended the throne, he was faced with a no less strenuous task: the often underestimated visionary had made it his mission to make the monarchy fit for the future. A painful process that probably didn’t always generate applause in the family circle. The belt was tightened and the number of senior royals was drastically reduced. Measures that are generally not well received.
And then the cancer came. Actually, he was already there for a long time, still unnoticed. A prostate procedure in January 2024 revealed it. Charles went on the offensive, made his life-threatening illness public and initially withdrew so that he could begin treatment immediately.
But only for a short time: on April 30th he returned to official daily events and had apparently chosen his first appointment after the stroke of fate carefully. Together with Queen Camilla, 76, he visited the Macmillan Cancer Center at University College Hospital in London, spoke to like-minded people who are currently undergoing chemotherapy – and took on the patronage of Cancer Research UK.
“Caged Lion”
Another obligation, but one that will undoubtedly be close to his heart. Nevertheless: Charles expects a lot from himself. It was only announced on Friday, May 3rd that the King had taken over more than 200 new patronages from his mother, Queen Elizabeth, †96, who died in September 2022, after a comprehensive review of the charities supported by the Royal Family – on top to all those he already held.
But the monarch cannot be stopped, not even in these health-stressing times. According to “The Times,” people close to him with whom he has corresponded in recent weeks report that he feels like a “caged lion.” Although he spoke about his “poor health” in his correspondence, he still seemed full of optimism. They say he believes in his full recovery. And he wants to get back to work with all his might.
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“He holds himself to very high standards of public service and really feels that he is letting people and organizations down by not being out there doing all the public things that are part of his official role,” one said Friend of the Regent. Another bluntly sums up Charles’ current state of mind: “He’s a damn caged lion who has everyone wrapped around his finger when he’s stuck at home.”
Prince William is alarmed
An impetuous drive, which is observed by one person in particular with the greatest alertness: William is “concerned” about the pace of his “workaholic” father and wants to “ensure that he keeps his recovery in balance.” A psychological pressure that must weigh incredibly heavily on the shoulders of the heir to the throne. It’s not just his fear for his father that keeps him in suspense, but also his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is also suffering from cancer. The 42-year-old made her shocking diagnosis public with a personal video message on March 22nd. She is currently undergoing preventive chemotherapy and has withdrawn from all her royal obligations until further notice.
William has had to show strength in many ways in the last few months – and in addition to worrying about Charles and Kate, he has had to really wear himself out. He wasn’t really given a break. As the future king, tasks in the service of the crown awaited him during this difficult time, despite the family challenges. Now he apparently also has to play the “lion tamer” for his father. A tightrope act that requires strength – and hopefully doesn’t let him overshoot his limits.
Source used: thetimes.co.uk