Is the future of the British monarchy in danger? That’s a question that’s been on a lot of people’s minds in the last year or so, between the drama surrounding Prince Harry and his wife Megan and then the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who lived and ruled for so long many people thought she was incapable of dying. Following her death in September 2022, the queen’s son became King Charles III at 73 years old, making history as the oldest person to take the throne. Now, Charles’ life and reign may be in danger as Buckingham Palace reveals the king has been diagnosed with cancer.
What Do We Know About King Charles’s Cancer Diagnosis?
Earlier this year, twin pieces of shocking news surfaced from Buckingham Palace: Kate, the Princess of Wales, would be undergoing abdominal surgery and King Charles would be undergoing a routine procedure for what the Palace called “benign prostate enlargement.” However, during the testing for that seemingly standard procedure, it was revealed that the King is suffering from some kind of cancer. The specific type of cancer has not been revealed yet, but Buckingham Palace has assured the general public that Charles has commenced a schedule of “regular treatments” for the condition.
Despite the uncertainty regarding his diagnosis, the Palace’s statement has stated that King Charles chose to share his diagnosis to “prevent speculation” and raise public awareness for people all around the world who are affected by cancer. In a similar vein, the King also chose to be transparent about the prostate operation that led to this diagnosis, stating that the operation was routine and undertaken by “thousands of men each year.”
What Does King Charles’ Cancer Mean For the Monarchy?
According to the official statement put forward by Buckingham Palace, King Charles has begun a series of outpatient treatments for his unspecified form of cancer. During this time, he’s been advised to “postpone” his public-facing royal duties, which means he likely won’t show his face at royal engagements. However, he will continue to “undertake State business and paperwork in the meantime.”
Of course, with the British monarchy being the well-oiled machine it is, several people are in place to take up the slack while King Charles undergoes his treatment. According to the BBC, several “counselors of state” are in place to step in for the King if he cannot perform his royal duties – at the moment, this includes his wife, Queen Camilla, his son, Prince William, his sister Anne, the Princess Royal, and his brother Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, are not called upon, since they’re not working royals.
However, speaking of the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace has stated that the King has personally informed his sons of his diagnosis, and William, Prince of Wales, has reportedly been “in regular contact” with his father. Prince Harry, who moved to the US with his wife and their children, has also spoken to his father and will travel to the UK to see him in a few days. In the meantime, the Palace has stated that King Charles remains “wholly positive” about his cancer treatment and looks forward to returning to public duty as soon as possible.
