King Charles has faced a particularly difficult year. Early in 2024, the monarch received a cancer diagnosis, as did his beloved daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton. Over the past year, Charles has undergone treatment. While there hasn’t been official confirmation of remission, signs indicate that progress is being made in a positive direction.
With Christmas approaching, the Royal Family is set to gather at Sandringham for their annual celebrations. Meanwhile, the ongoing issues surrounding Prince Harry likely linger in the king’s thoughts, making it perhaps less complicated that the estranged prince will not be joining them for the holiday.
Despite undergoing treatment, Charles has continued to maintain a full schedule of royal duties. A royal expert recently provided new insights into his health, raising the question of whether the king might be overextending himself.
Charles received his cancer diagnosis in early February. The past few months have undoubtedly been challenging, but the decision he made after receiving the news has been widely praised. Though not obligated to disclose private matters, the monarch chose to be open about his condition.
“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,” read a statement released on February 5.
In many ways, Charles’ decision to share his diagnosis publicly may have had life-saving implications. According to the Associated Press, Cancer Research UK saw a 33% rise in website visits as people sought information on cancer symptoms and warning signs.
“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” Charles said in a follow-up statement shortly after the initial announcement about his health.
King Charles Cancer
“All those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” the monarch shared.
He continued: “It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.”
“My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”
While many medical professionals and royal supporters commended Charles for his decision, not everyone agreed it was the right choice. According to reports, Queen Camilla initially opposed her husband revealing his cancer diagnosis, but Charles ultimately “overruled her.”
To prioritize his recovery, Charles scaled back all royal engagements. During this time, Queen Camilla stepped up, shouldering significant responsibilities in his absence. Her efforts earned widespread respect and admiration across the nation.
Details about Charles’s treatment have been scarce, though a key report in October suggested his health was improving. On October 18, Charles and Camilla embarked on a trip to Australia and Samoa, spending over a week abroad.
King Charles ‘paused his cancer treatment’ for Australia trip
Royal expert Cameron Walker previously noted that significant adjustments would be necessary for King Charles to undertake the trip.
“As we knew, doctors had given the King the green light to travel. It is going to be the first long-haul travel the King has done since his cancer diagnosis,” Walker told GB News ahead of the visit.
He further explained, “But it’s very clear from the information I’ve received this afternoon that adaptions have been made. For example, New Zealand originally was on the agenda for the King and Queen to travel to – that has now been ruled out on doctor’s advice.”
Walker also commented, “Because he’s been mindful that he’s undergoing cancer treatments, he’s also going to be spending some time at an engagement to do with melanoma and cancer treatment.”
The journey to Australia and Samoa represented a significant challenge for Charles in light of his health. According to the Daily Mail, Charles temporarily paused his cancer treatment during the state visits. The outlet reported that his treatment schedule continued right up to departure, with his doctors agreeing that it could be “briefly stopped while he is away.”
Now that Charles and Camilla have returned to the UK, they’ve resumed their royal duties across the country. With Christmas approaching, the Royal Family is expected to celebrate as usual at their Sandringham estate. Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are set to attend. This year, there are indications that Camilla’s son, Andrew Parker Bowles, might also join the festivities.
For Christmas, King Charles and Queen Camilla are “keeping things quiet” to protect their health
Buckingham Palace has chosen not to comment on King Charles’ health, but a source informed the Daily Beast that both the king and queen are focused on staying “quiet” to “preserve their health in the run-up to Christmas.” Recently, Camilla suffered from pneumonia and is reportedly still in the process of recovering.
“His vulnerabilities are well-known but her pneumonia has been a nasty reminder of hers. I think everyone is relieved he didn’t want to go off to Paris and stand in the cold for hours on end. They are very sensibly just keeping things quiet to preserve their health in the run-up to Christmas,” the source shared with the Daily Beast.
Like families around the world, the Christmas season is a cherished time for the royals when relatives come together to enjoy each other’s company. However, the Royal Family has faced significant tensions, particularly after the departure of two of its members, leading to ongoing disputes.
The relationship between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the Royal Family has deteriorated significantly, with King Charles and Harry reportedly not on speaking terms. According to royal commentator Emily Andrews, King Charles is not receptive when aides approach him regarding calls from his son.
“Now, even his own father is not taking his calls. I’m told that when courtiers bring the phone to the King (Charles doesn’t have his own mobile phone) he waves them away in irritation,” Andrews told the Mirror.
Harry was not invited to Christmas by King Charles because he “can’t deal” with the drama
Reports indicate that King Charles III has not extended an invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the royal family’s Christmas celebration at Sandringham this year. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, remarked, “No, I’m not a bit surprised they weren’t invited… I just think that King Charles just couldn’t deal with the [drama].”
A source informed People magazine that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not participated in the royal family’s Christmas festivities since 2018, the year they married. The couple is expected to spend the holidays in the U.S.
Seward further noted that King Charles is “exhausted by his year” and “exhausted by his cancer,” suggesting that the potential presence of Harry and Meghan during the holiday season would have been overwhelming for him.
The strained relationships between Prince Harry and senior members of the royal family, particularly his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William, have been well-documented. These tensions have contributed to the lack of communication and invitations for family events.
Consequently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are anticipated to celebrate Christmas in the United States, focusing on creating their own family traditions with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
According to a royal specialist, King Charles is “pushing himself too hard.”
For King Charles, the decision not to invite Harry and Meghan also comes with emotional challenges. One of the most significant is the limited time he has spent with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, a situation that has deeply affected him.
“It doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to see his grandchildren,” Ingrid Seward explained. “I think he’s desperate to see his grandchildren. But Harry won’t come here unless he has this, that, and the other. And he wants an armed escort, and he’s making too many demands. And I completely understand. [But] Charles [is saying], ‘Look, I’m just not going to ask them this yet.’”
As Charles looks ahead to 2025, he is likely hoping for a more peaceful year. After all, it’s hard to imagine the coming year being more difficult than the one he has just endured.
Despite ongoing cancer treatment, Charles remains committed to his royal duties. However, royal expert Duncan Larcombe, speaking with GB News, cautioned that this could have consequences, suggesting the King might be overexerting himself.
“He has kept going, and you get the impression he’s been doing as much as he physically can. I wonder if his doctors might privately be a bit annoyed that he hasn’t rested as much as he could have,” Larcombe noted.
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