interview
King Charles has cancer
GALA correspondent knows: “The family is deeply shocked”
© Dana Press
GALA correspondent and nobility expert Arndt Striegler is certain that King Charles’ cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of a “new era” for the British royal family. He shares his impressions from London – and gives an outlook on the coming months.
The year 2024 didn’t just start off difficult for King Charles, 75: With his cancer, the entire British monarchy seems to be being put to the test. Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, will probably be out until after Easter after her abdominal operation, Prince William, 41, not only has to shoulder the care of his sick wife, but also the worries about his father. Queen Camilla, 76, is emphatically optimistic, while Prince Harry, 39, flew to London overnight without further ado. “2024 has actually been a bad year for this family so far,” notes Arndt Striegler, reporting from London as a GALA correspondent.
King Charles has cancer: “We are preparing for a time without him”
Speaking to GALA, Striegler can assess the mood in Great Britain and not least within the royal family. He knows: It’s not just the British who are “shocked” – “the family is also deeply shocked. Nobody expected something like this. A long-time palace employee tells me: ‘We are all shocked and wish the king only the best.'” The anxiety and worry over King Charles’ cancer diagnosis is palpable. But that’s not all: the monarch’s illness also gives rise to changes within the palace. While King Charles has actually enjoyed good health so far, his cancer gives rise to reflection on a painful scenario.
GALA correspondent and nobility expert Arndt Striegler reports from London.
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“This day really begins a new era for the monarchy and for the royal family,” said Arndt Striegler after the palace published the announcement of Charles’ diagnosis. Striegler explains: “We are preparing for a time without King Charles. Fortunately, this is purely a precautionary measure and everyone here wishes the monarch a long and healthy life. But this diagnosis reminds us all that life is finite and that ‘Company’ and so that the monarchy must continue.”
Prince Harry gets “unique chance for reconciliation”
As difficult as the year started for the Royal Family, the trust they have in them is just as deep. Striegler confirms this: “Fortunately, the Windsors are made of tough stuff. I expect that they will also survive this storm unscathed.” Two of King Charles’s most important supporters are Queen Camilla and Prince William. Striegler believes “that the two will share the tasks, so to speak, form a new dual leadership” if Charles’ illness does not allow him to work.
King Charles is said to have personally informed Prince Harry of his diagnosis. Just hours later, a spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed that Harry was traveling to London to be with his father. Not even 24 hours after Charles’ cancer diagnosis became public, the 39-year-old said have already landed in Great Britain. Arndt Striegler sees the Royal Family’s shocking situation as a key moment – not only for the relationship between father and son, but also for the rift between Harry and William. “This is a unique opportunity for reconciliation,” said Striegler, “one can only wish this for this suffering family in these dark hours.”