It is apparent that King Charles is performing his regal duties while getting cancer treatment. Late last year, it was revealed that the monarch, who was diagnosed with cancer a year earlier, would continue treatment until 2025.
Plans for a new state visit overseas may indicate Charles’ treatment is going well. One expert believes the Palace faces rough days ahead.
As King Charles ages, so do his friends and family. Two years ago, he lost his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and last year, his lifelong friend Ian Farquhar perished in a house accident. Now, tragedy strikes again as King Charles mourns a loved one.
Charles’ reign began poorly. Before learning last year that he had cancer, the monarch had to focus on his son, Prince Harry, and his bride, Meghan Markle, following all the charges and assertions they made about the Royal Family.
Over the past year, Charles has had cancer therapy. He was able to suspend his treatment for the Australia & Samoa state visit with Camilla, but he hasn’t totally healed.
Despite Camilla’s opposition, King Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis early on. He did have a big impact in the UK, with more people testing themselves online.
Charles stated that disclosing his cancer diagnosis would help others, and it appears to have done so. The monarch gave his own statement to the nation a week after breaking the news.
He said, “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.” “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” Charles wrote.
King Charles’ cancer treatment update
He added: “It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my diagnosis has promoted public understanding and highlighted the work of all those organizations that support cancer patients and their families in the UK and worldwide. I’ll always admire their untiring care and dedication because of my own experience.”
The malignancy King Charles was diagnosed with remains unknown. Sky News reports that the king frequently attends London private appointments. Shortly before Christmas, the news site stated that Charles will continue cancer treatment in 2025.
Sources said his treatment “has been moving in a positive direction.” Maggie’s CEO Laura Lee told Sky that cancer therapy often takes time. Queen Camilla is president of the charity.
“It’s very common for treatment to be ongoing for very long periods of time, as is the treatment that the Princess of Wales went through, which is an intense period of treatment over a year, and then it comes to an end, and she’s on that recovery from some of the impacts of her treatment,” Lee told Sky News.
We have immunotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy. Many therapeutic methods exist. Therefore, it’s not surprising.”
She added: “What we’ve heard from our centre visitors is that they’ve shone a light on cancer as a whole, showing that there are different treatment options, impacts, and ways to cope with cancer. I think that approach has been more successful and helpful for cancer patients. I’ve seen firsthand how much everyone appreciates it.”
A state visit to Italy is planned for Charles, who has taken time off from royal duties due to cancer treatment. Camilla and William, his son, have backed him with international engagements. Now, King Charles and his wife are expected to visit Italy in April for a state visit.
Buckingham Palace confirmed in early February that Charles and Camilla would visit Italy and the Holy See in early April. The royal couple will see Pope Francis to celebrate the 2025 Catholic Holy Year. The palace said the couple will appear in Ravenna and Rome to “celebrate the strong bilateral relationship between Italy and the United Kingdom.”
Charles will make his 17th journey to Italy and first abroad trip as monarch. Grant Harrold, King Charles’ former butler, told GB News that his former employer took his health into account during the official visit.
“I think he’s aging, too. His mother was younger when she became Queen and made state visits. Due to his age, recent health, and everything, they’ve probably been sensible about planning these things. He said this was his ninth visit as king.
The former royal butler said, “I think they’re probably just planning it carefully and trying to make the most of his time overseas. All state trips can last a few days or a week. He’s there for an unknown amount of time. However, when planned, these things are maximized.”
The royal expert shared images of King Charles, stating that he is doing well and remains upbeat despite the challenges.
“The remarkable thing is their resilience to keep going. Because we know he’s terrific, he’s doing that. His example is great.”
Of course, Charles’ recovery after cancer therapy is encouraging. However, not everyone believes things are as fantastic as they look. Writing for News.com.au, royal analyst Daniela Elser wrote about a newly taken photo of Charles, comparing it to one only taken four years earlier. She said that the “ordinary” looking snapshot indicated “the desperate situation that’s unfolding behind Palace Gates.”
She stated that the 2020 Jerusalem photo showed King Charles’ “unmistakable” look change, which is “painfully hard to ignore.”
Elser wrote in a News.com.au column that the King might have been all smiles at church in late January, but Buckingham Palace is today facing a previously unheard of, never-considered royal scenario — how to keep Crown Inc. going in the time of an aging, cancer-battling monarch who is increasingly rattling around the Palace, stranded and with fewer than ever people to call on.
As he ages and suffers disease, he has few working royal family members to rely on and delegate to support him, Elser said.
In one year, King Charles lost two wonderful pals.
Charles is positive despite a difficult year, but he has also experienced heartbreak. The death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022 led to his ascension. The world mourned the late queen, who led the UK for over 70 years.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” Charles stated.
“We mourn the loss of a beloved Sovereign and Mother. She will be missed across the nation, the Realms, the Commonwealth, and the world.
He later addressed his late “darling mama,” stating, “As you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you.” You have served our family and the family of nations with love and dedication for years. Flying angels may serenade you to rest.
Unfortunately, Charles has lost more than his mother recently. It was revealed months ago that his lifelong friend Ian Farquhar died unexpectedly in March 2024.
Ian Farquhar, “The Captain,” was Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles’ personal friend. He died after being stuck between his bed and a wall at home. Victoria, his daughter, said he loved horses after his death. Unfortunately, alcohol was a problem.
He attended Eton, joined the military, and went to Sandhurst, becoming the queen mother’s equerry and bodyguard. His passion for horses led him on hunts that ended with dinner.
His close friend Ian Farquhar’s death left King Charles “deeply saddened”.
“The amount of drinking was considered normal for the activity, but we thought he had a problem [later] He drank a litre of gin and two bottles of wine daily. For two weeks, Ian tried to stop, but physicians warned him he would die if he didn’t take care of himself.
Charles has been heartbroken again. He revealed on Tuesday that his close friend and spiritual leader, The Aga Khan, died at 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family. King Charles and Prince Karim, the Aga Khan, have often appeared together on royal engagements. He had a dinner with Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate his Golden and Diamond Jubilees.
One of the world’s wealthiest persons, the late Aga Khan, founded the King’s Trust. Prince Karim’s death leaves King Charles “deeply saddened” according to Town & Country. He reportedly kept in touch with the family privately.
The Aga Khan Foundation stated: “His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family.”
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