Charles, 75, was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in February after being hospitalized with an enlarged prostate. The palace has clarified that the king does not have prostate cancer, and his treatment program is ongoing. The medical team is pleased with the progress made so far, but it is unclear how much longer treatment will last. Charles has started resuming some public duties, though not a full summer program, and will continue to follow doctors’ advice.
The king’s cancer diagnosis has created a fragile period for Britain’s royals, as it comes on the heels of Princess Kate’s revelation that she, too, is being treated for cancer. Both Charles and Kate have not disclosed the type of cancer they have or their prognosis. This has left the royal family short-handed, with the absence of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry and Meghan, and Prince Andrew. Kate is expected to return to the public eye after Easter, but there has been little sign of her so far.
Charles made his first public appearance at the Easter Sunday service in Windsor last month, expressing his frustration with the length of his recovery. The king’s decision to reveal his cancer diagnosis has been praised for its candor, especially compared to past royals who kept such information private. Charles hopes that by going public, he can encourage other men to get checked for cancer. The National Health Service saw a significant increase in traffic to its page on enlarged prostate following Charles’ announcement.
Despite the positive response to Charles’ openness about his diagnosis, some medical professionals question the wisdom of keeping the specific type of cancer secret. Without knowing the type of cancer, individuals may not be able to recognize symptoms or seek appropriate treatment. The king’s recovery process is ongoing, and his medical team remains positive about his continued recovery. Charles will continue to follow doctors’ advice as he gradually resumes some public-facing duties. Princess Kate is expected to make a public appearance soon, and the royal family continues to navigate this challenging period with the support of the public.
