Charles becomes monarch after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth on September 8, 2022
London:
Britain’s King Charles was diagnosed with a form of cancer less than 18 months after taking the throne after spending more than 70 years waiting to become sovereign.
Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the 75-year-old Charles will postpone his public duties while he undergoes medical treatment, but he looks forward to returning to full public duties as soon as possible.
On September 8, 2022, Charles became the monarch following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, becoming the longest-serving heir apparent in British history. He was crowned on May 6, 2023.
Some critics warn that the heir apparent, an environmental activist who has never been shy about expressing outspoken views on many issues, will bring sweeping changes that upend his mother’s stoic, focused style.
But instead, he has quietly adapted to his new role, with his busy daily life creating some minor drama. That makes the announcement of his health issues even more surprising.
“I have been taught from an early age to value a sense of responsibility to others and to have the utmost respect for the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and system of parliamentary government,” he said in his first speech as king.
Supporters and opponents alike recognized Charles’ hard work and dedication to duty. Royal commentators say that may have to change as he recovers from treatment.
“This guy never stops. I mean, when we were kids, the office just handed him bags and bags of work. We could barely get to his desk and say goodnight to him,” Son and heir apparent Prince William said. In a documentary commemorating his 70th birthday.
While details of the royal family’s health are considered private matters, Charles has been doing well, exercising every day to stay fit and skipping lunch.
When he appeared in public attending church with his wife, Queen Camilla, on Sunday, there was no sign that he had received news of his cancer diagnosis.
“He’s a king, he has to put on a show, and he’s been doing that his whole life,” said Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Authority magazine.
Polls show that while Charles is not as popular as his much-respected mother, more people have a positive view of him than a negative one, although there also appears to be a large share of indifference – those who also don’t have an opinion human way.
“I think he’s done a fantastic job and I’m a big fan of his, to be honest,” said Andy Bloomer, a 38-year-old hotel manager in central London.
Regarding his health concerns, he added: “I’m sure he knew it was going to connect him to other people, other families, who had been through this. It was a bit of a shock.”
One of the major shadows hanging over Charles’ reign is his youngest son, Prince Harry, and his attacks on the family and the monarchy in his memoirs with wife Meghan and in a Netflix documentary.
But Harry, who has barely been back to the UK since moving to California with Meghan in 2020, will fly back to visit his father after learning he was ill, suggesting a possible reconciliation between Harry and Meghan.
As heads of state from around the world sent messages wishing the king well, some ordinary Britons said they were shocked by the news.
Retired architect Steve Costello, 65, said: ‘We loved his mum… I was born shortly after she came to the throne so she was part of my life, part of my whole life “I wish him the best. It’s very sad. Very sad.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
