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BRAVE CHARLES
‘Frail’ King Charles longs ‘to return to normality’ as ‘protective’ Camilla takes dominant role, says body language pro
King Charles showed a more human side of his emotions today
KING Charles today made his first appearance since his cancer diagnosis as he and the Queen Consort attended the church service in Sandringham.
His Majesty, 75, has been resting at the royal residence Norfolk, after it was announced on Monday that he is battling cancer.
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The royal couple could be seen waving to crowds and according to body language expert Judi James, the King showed a glimpse of fraility today.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Judi explains: “Charles’s family mantra of ‘Never explain, never complain’ could also have an added ‘Never show pain’ tacked to the end of it, for royals like his father in particular were impeccable when it came to never sharing or showing any hints or signs of weakness or illness in their body language.
“Charles has already proved his intention to be more open about his own health and his cancer. And he has allowed himself to look endearingly fragile at times, too.
“Here we can see his wave to the cameras showing a message of ‘business as usual’ but his angle of lean as he walks, with his shoulders hunched slightly forward and his head leading, plus those raised elbows and the rather firm grip he has on the handle of his umbrella, suggest a hint of frailty too.”
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Judi says that the monarch appears to be taking a step back and letting Camilla take the lead while he battles his illness, with the expert claiming he is keen to return to ‘normality.’
She adds: “He appears to be comfortable letting Camilla take a more active and dominant role here, looking ahead as she turns to acknowledge and wave at the cameras in a rather protective-looking way.
“But it’s Charles’s facial expression as he waves that seems to add a very human touch to the King’s appearance.
“He performs a smile but his head is down and his mouth isn’t lifted into his normal ‘wreathed’ smile with crinkling down the sides of his cheeks.
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“His eyes connect but there’s no actual bravado-infused eye-smile.
"He has looked so touched and grateful for the public support since his hospital stay but here he also looks rather like a man who will be pleased and relieved when things can get back to normal again.”
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It comes as the King is expected to have further cancer treatment as an out-patient in London this month and the Palace has yet to set a date for his return to frontline duties.
Writing in a signed message released yesterday, the King gave thanks for the messages of support since Monday’s announcement.
He said: “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”
And in the message, written from Sandringham, he added it was “equally heartening” that sharing his diagnosis has “shone a light” on the great work carried out by cancer charities.
He said: “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”
His Majesty has postponed all frontline engagements while he undergoes cancer treatment.
He is expected to convalesce at Windsor Castle, Highgrove and Sandringham over the coming weeks and months.
This week's announcement of the King’s cancer diagnosis revealed a “separate issue” had been found following a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate.
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The Palace has not confirmed the type of cancer, but it is understood not to be the prostate.
His Majesty is said to be receiving “pioneering” treatment and will return regularly to London for care.
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