Charles learned of diagnosis last week but Camilla stoically carried on with duties & opened cancer centre just days ago
Prince Harry has flown to the UK today to be with his father
QUEEN Camilla put on a brave face as she ‘knew about King Charles’ diagnosis’ while opening a cancer treatment centre days before the announcement.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the news at 6pm on Monday Evening after a “separate issue of concern was noted” during His Majesty’s hospital stay for an enlarged prostate.
The shock announcement came just days after Queen Camilla opened Maggie’s Royal Free – a new cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
It is understood the Queen knew about her husband’s cancer diagnosis when opening the safe space, but decided to go ahead with the engagement.
Camilla smiled as she shook hands with the architectural team and greeted visitors at the centre, which provides support away from the hospital for patients and their families.
As a royal source told the Daily Mail “she’s made of strong stuff”, while a friend said ‘she’s a bl***y brick”.
Another insider told the Mirror: “The Queen has been remarkable.
“While her husband has been in hospital, she was by his side and also making sure she didn’t neglect her own duties.”
They added Queen Camilla is “one of the hardest-working members” of the Royal Family who “never complains” and “doesn’t want to let anyone down”.
The day before the announcement, a message was shared from the official Royal Family X/Twitter platform which read: “Today is #WorldCancerDay – a global initiative aiming to raise awareness about cancer.
“Earlier this week, Her Majesty The Queen opened @MaggiesCentres Royal Free, a new cancer support centre at Royal Free Hospital.”
Queen Camilla has been president of Maggie’s cancer charity for 15 years and frequently chats to patients during visits to various centres.
Maggie’s chief executive Dame Laura Lee told BBC Breakfast: “As ever, the Queen was in good and strong spirits.
“So, obviously, we know this information about King Charles after that visit, but during it she sat down, as she does in all of our centres, with a group of people affected by cancer, who talked about their own stories, about how they had navigated the challenges of cancer, and how important support was for them.”
She said that “the Queen is very knowledgeable about the impact of cancer” and is “very compassionate and empathic”.
“So she will be thinking about how best to support the King, but she will also be thinking about the rest of the family – Prince William – and also about supporting the King in his wishes to keep fully active and working through treatment,” Dame Laura Lee added.
King Charles, who became a patron of Macmillan Cancer Support in 1997, has also previously spoken out about how living with a cancer diagnosis can affect people.
In a speech at the launch of Macmillan Cancer Support’s new campaign, named A Voice for Life, in June 1999, he said: “People tell me that being diagnosed with a cancer is like suddenly finding yourself in an unknown land, with no map, no compass, no sign posts and no knowledge of the language.
“The treatments are complex. Many different health professionals are involved – people can see as many as 50 different doctors. They need help to find their way in this no doubt alien and intimidating world.”
Princess Anne also put on a brave face during a public appearance on Monday, at the dedication of a new St John Ambulance Community unit in Devizes, Wilts.
The support unit was purchased following a successful fundraising campaign that raised £65,000 in donations.
It comes after King Charles, 75, was admitted to The London Clinic on January 26 for corrective prostate surgery.
His majesty was due to stay in hospital for two nights – but his stint was extended by 24 hours.
In a shock announcement on Monday, a Buckingham Palace spokesman stated: “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.”
Diagnosis transparency
KING Charles has bravely broken with royal protocol by sharing his cancer diagnosis.
Senior royals have in past been tight-lipped about their health battles.
The last top royal diagnosed with cancer was Charles’s grandfather George VI.
Heavy smoker George had his left lung removed for “structural abnormalities” in September 1951, months before he died.
The “abnormalities” were actually a life-threatening carcinoma, but the public never learned about George’s cancer ordeal.
Buckingham Palace said Charles wanted to share his cancer diagnosis to boost “public understanding” for cancer patients worldwide.
Floods of support and well-wishes have poured in following the health update.
Reacting to the announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was left “shocked and sad”.
The PM said he is thankful the illness was “caught early”, and hopes the monarch makes a speedy recovery.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “All our thoughts are with him and his family.”
He added everyone will be wishing the King “gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery”.
The PM said: “That’s what we’re all hoping and praying for, and I’m of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal.
“I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”
Tourists and locals outside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday morning shared their sadness.
Lisa Nash, 61, told PA: “My thoughts are with him and to go through something like cancer but in the public eye is pretty something, so I’m pleased that he’s given people snippets of information but I’m quite glad that he’s going to keep the rest of it private.
“I think for his own peace of mind, he needs to be doing that, it’s enough of a struggle as it is but I wish him well and I’m sure he’ll pull through and things will be fine.”
Ms Nash added: “I love the royal family. I think they do a lot for this country and they will continue to do so, they’ll just pull together and hopefully take some of the burden off of him and he can concentrate on getting better.”
Martin Harris, 43, from Northampton, said: “Obviously it’s a shame for the family more than anything. You think of the family like you would do your own family, yes it’s a shame for us but it is for them more than us really.”
He added: “Also it’s good that they’ve found it early.”
Justin Haden, 52, from Canada, said the news was “sad” and he hoped the King would “make a recovery”.
It remains unclear when the King will resume full-time public appearances but has postponed front line duties on doctor’s advice.
The Monarch yesterday began a schedule of regular treatments and “remains wholly positive”.
King Charles will continue with his red boxes, weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, and monthly Privy Council meetings, but they may have to be scaled back on the advice of doctors.
His Majesty carried out a staggering 516 engagements last year, including 94 trips abroad.
KING’S BATTLES
Inside Charles' tumultuous 18 months from the Queen’s death to his cancer diagnosis and prostate op as King suffers ‘huge shock in short reign’
September 8 2022 – The world was left in mourning after Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle.
September 19 2022 – The stoic King led his family, marching behind the Queen’s coffin from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey, at her funeral.
January 2023 – The Monarch deals with the fall out following Prince Harry’s bombshell memoir Spare – in which the Duke blasted the Royal Family.
April 2023 – Harry has a “heart-to-heart” talk with his dad before agreeing to come to the Coronation in London
May 6 2023 – Charles is crowned King at his Coronation at Westminster Abbey.
September 2023 – Harry rejects an offer to spend the anniversary of the Queen’s death at Balmoral with his father.
November 2023 – The King celebrates his 75th birthday with a gathering of close family and friends at Clarence House.
January 17 2024 – Buckingham Palace announces His Majesty will be undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Just hours previous it was also revealed Princess Kate had been admitted to hospital for a pre-planned abdominal surgery.
January 26 2024 – The King is admitted to The London Clinic – where Princess Kate was also staying.
January 29 2024 – Charles waves as he leaves the hospital following a three day stay and being given the all clear.
It was understood the Monarch would take a month to recover after the surgery as Queen Camilla stands in during public appearances.
February 5 2024 – Buckingham Palace announces a form of cancer was diagnosed during the King’s prostate op.
The statement confirms Charles has begun a schedule of regular treatments and “remains wholly positive”.
He will also be postponing front line duties on doctor’s advice but continue with his red boxes, weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, and monthly Privy Council meetings.
February 6 2024 – Prince Harry flies to the UK to be with his father as royal experts claim their four-year rift could be put aside.
The Duke of Sussex, who was informed of the news personally by the Monarch, was seen arriving into a private terminal at LAX in his black Range Rover.
In the meantime, other Royals, including the Queen and the Prince of Wales will continue with a full programme of public duties.
Provisions for Counsellors of State are made under the Regency Acts 1937 to 1953 and those who can currently stand in for Charles include Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice.
However, the House of Lords heard only “working members” of the royal family would be called upon to act as Counsellors of State.
In 2022, the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, and sister the Princess Royal as extra Counsellors of State.
This means they too can deputise for him if need be, and the addition was fast-tracked into law.
The current line of succession to the throne is as follows
- 1. William, Prince of Wales
- 2. Prince George of Wales (son of William)
- 3. Princess Charlotte of Wales (daughter of William)
- 4. Prince Louis of Wales (son of William)
- 5. Harry, Duke of Sussex
- 6. Prince Archie of Sussex (son of Harry)
- 7. Princess Lilibet of Sussex (daughter of Harry)
- 8. Andrew, Duke of York
- 9. Princess Beatrice (daughter of Andrew)
- 10. Sienna Mapelli Mozzi (daughter of Princess Beatrice)
The Monarch and Queen Camilla were expected to visit Canada in May, and Australia, New Zealand and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October.
However there is now speculation Prince William may have to step in for the King, who is head of the Commonwealth, at CHOGM.
Other trips could be postponed depending on how the King’s health progresses.
What we know so far:
- The King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer
- Prince Harry rushed to the airport in LA to fly home to support his father
- Meghan will remain in California with their children
- The King personally called his siblings and children to tell them of his diagnosis
- Charles 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 and William will step up to share the weight of the King’s duties during his treatment
- Charles will continue to receive Red Boxes and State documents
- Charles and Camilla shared a cancer message just a day before announcing his diagnosis
William could also be seen playing a key role at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey at the start of March and the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.
The prince is set to carry out an investiture at Windsor Castle on Wednesday – one of his own regular duties – and attend the London Air Ambulance annual fundraising evening gala in central London in his role as patron of the charity.
His return to royal duties will be seen as an attempt to signal stability within the monarchy after he took a step back while Princess Kate was in hospital for a planned abdominal surgery.
The mum-of-three, 42, was admitted on January 16 for the op and is expected to resume Royal duties by Easter.
It comes as Prince Harry was spotted at Los Angeles International airport as he makes his way to the UK today to be with his father.
The Duke of Sussex, who was informed of the news personally by the Monarch, was seen arriving into a private terminal at LAX in his black Range Rover.
He is due to land in the UK around midday today to be with King Charles, 75, as soon as possible.
Meghan, 42, is set to stay behind at their Montecito mansion with children Archie, 4 and two-year-old Lilibet.
Royal experts claim the news may finally see Harry put his four-year rift aside as the Royal Family pull together in this difficult time.
Possible reconciliation
King Charles has had a strained relationship with his younger son in the wake of 'Megxit' but sources now say there is a “willingness and wanting to mend on both sides”
January 2020 – Harry and Meghan make their ‘Megxit’ flight, leaving for Canada, eventually setting up home in California, USA.
March 2021 – Harry and Meghan give their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey where Harry accused his dad of cutting him off financially.
April 2023 – Harry has a “heart-to-heart” talk with his dad before agreeing to come to the Coronation in London
May 2023 – The Duke travelled alone to attend the ceremony on May 6.
November 2023 – Hopes of a reconciliation raised after Harry called Charles to wish him a happy 75th birthday and sent a video of the King’s US-based grandkids.
February 2024 – Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams exclusively told The Sun: “The rift in the family is one thing, but there surely will be a good deal of solidarity among the royals because of what’s happened and this includes Harry.
“I’m sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family – including the Sussexes – it’s so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction.”
“For families everywhere cancer is so shocking and as much as humanly possible they need to pull together – and that includes Harry and Meghan despite everything that has happened.
“There will be concern from Prince Harry coming over, as he is his father, I sincerely hope it will be the moment that brings them together, families have known the struggle of cancer and this is clearly a circumstance no one foresaw.
“It is a deeply emotional time for the royal family and Harry is included in that, reconciliation could be hopeful with Sussexes but right now its about Charles and his treatment plan.”
