King Charles III will return to royal duties on Tuesday after revealing his cancer diagnosis nearly three months ago. According to author Christopher Andersen, who has written a new book about Charles and Queen Elizabeth II titled ‘My Mother and I’, the king’s health is serving as a reminder of his mortality and urging him not to waste any time in carrying out his royal duties. The decision to return was taken by Buckingham Palace after doctors were satisfied with Charles’ progress during treatment for cancer, which he discovered shortly after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate gland. However, the exact type of cancer that has affected Charles remains undisclosed.
Andersen explained in his book that Charles is “clearly frustrated” due to renewed media attention on him following a period when focus had shifted towards Kate Middleton and her children after Elizabeth II’s death last year. The author believes the king wants to present an image of ‘business as usual’, which includes returning for official duties, amid rumours regarding his health. Additionally, with one of Britain’s most patriotic events approaching in Trooping the Colour, Charles is eagerly looking forward to showcasing British pomp and pageantry.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich explained that as Charles succeeded Elizabeth II after her 70-year reign – a record for any monarch in British history – he has “a lot to prove” not only to the nation but also the Commonwealth. The late Princess Diana’s infamous BBC interview from 1995, which cast doubt on Charles’ future as king, further adds to this pressure.
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton too is dealing with her own health issues after revealing in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment for it. Due to the ongoing medical treatments of both Kate and Charles over recent months, Prince William has assumed most royal engagements on their behalf.
In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace ahead of Charles’ return to official duties, doctors have stated that while his cancer treatment programme will continue, they are hopeful regarding Charles’ continued recovery owing to satisfactory progress being observed in therapy thus far. It is too early at present for medical staff to provide any predictions on the length or outcome of further treatments, though it seems highly probable based on positive prognostic indicators that Charles’ health will continue improving over time.
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