Charles’ cancer is worrying for Camilla – but there was no doom & gloom when I saw her days ago, Arthur Edwards says
The Queen's words of comfort" will aid Charles' recovery
KING Charles’ cancer diagnosis is worrying for Camilla but she has been a “pillar of strength”, Arthur Edwards has revealed.
The monarch, 75, is receiving treatment for an unspecified form of cancer spotted during his prostate treatment last month.
Charles notified his siblings and children personally, with Prince Harry now flying back to the UK to support his dad.
Camilla, meanwhile, will play an “important role” supporting the King after urging him to slow down last month.
And Arthur Edwards, The Sun’s Royal photographer, has told how the Queen has not shown any signs of being troubled despite her husband’s health battle.
What we know so far
- The King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer
- Prince Harry is flying to the UK to support his father
- Meghan will remain in California with their children
- The King personally called his siblings and children to tell them
- He is receiving expert care from specialist doctors
- His Majesty returned from Sandringham to London to begin treatment
- Doctors advised the King to postpone public-facing Royal duties
- Camilla is preparing to play an important role supporting the King
- Charles will continue to receive Red Boxes and State documents during his treatment
- The King will continue to meet the Prime Minister for a weekly audience
He said: “When I met Camilla on Friday at a Royal Voluntary Service event in Cambridge I didn’t sense any gloom.
“Naturally, this will be an extremely worrying time for Camilla, but she will be a tower of strength for her husband.
“The Queen Consort will be by his side throughout his treatment and her words of comfort and encouragement will aid his recovery.”
Charles spent spent three nights at the London Clinic last month to undergo a procedure for “benign prostate enlargement”.
The couple have been staying in Sandringham since the King left hospital on Monday.
Camilla visited Charles three times during his stay at the London Clinic, where the Princess of Wales also underwent abdominal surgery last month.
At the time she told onlookers he was “fine”.
ARTHUR EDWARDS: King Charles has been there for so many people over the decades – now it’s time for the nation to be there for him
LIKE me the nation will be in deep shock at the news that King Charles has cancer – because he is the healthiest man I know.
For the past forty years I have tried to keep up with our monarch as he shakes countless hands, travels across the globe and meets assorted dignitaries.
I must confess that I have not been able to match him for stamina or pace on Royal tours.
Charles works out every evening, loves nothing more than walking across Balmoral’s glorious hillsides in Scotland and only eats organic food, often grown by himself.
The King is incredibly disciplined about his diet.
He doesn’t eat lunch, choosing to go from breakfast to dinner without a proper meal.
There is little doubt that His Majesty will receive the best medical care in the world and I am hopeful that his consultants have caught whatever cancer it is early.
If anyone can get the better of this insidious illness, it is Charles.
But a Buckingham Palace statement yesterday said: “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.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
“Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
The Palace did not confirm the type of cancer.
His Majesty today began a schedule of regular treatments and postponed front line duties on the advice of doctors.
ROYAL OPERATIONS
How the King and Kate's respective health battles unfolded:
Tuesday, January 16: Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery.
Wednesday, January 17: Kensington Palace announces the princess’ operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days.
Over an hour later, Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days.
Thursday, January 18: Prince William spends time at his wife’s bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
The Queen says the King is “fine” and “looking forward to getting back to work” during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery
Friday, January 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure.
Monday, January 22: The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is “fine”, and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon.
Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: “The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.”
Thursday, January 25: The King arrives back in London from Sandringham ready for his treatment.
Friday, January 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital.
Sunday, January 28: Queen Camilla arrives for her fourth visit on Charles’ third day in hospital.
Monday, January 29: King Charles leaves hospital.
Sunday, February 4: Charles seen waving as he walks to church at Sandringham.
Monday, February 5: Buckingham Palace announce King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.
