King Charles’ positive statement shows how devoted he is to serving his country – just like his late, great mother
WHEN I was in America last week, almost everyone I met wanted to know the same thing: ‘Is King Charles going to be OK?’
They were very concerned about Kate, the Princess of Wales, too.
But it was the health of our new King, and the dreadful thought of
another British Monarch potentially dying so soon after Queen
Elizabeth II, that was fixating the minds of the Royal Family’s
biggest geographical fan base after Britain.
As one anguished TV executive in New York put it to me: ‘Poor man.
Imagine waiting that long for the top job and then this happens? Is he going to survive?’
Watch Piers’ explosive interviews on his Uncensored YouTube channel here
It’s still less than a year since Charles was crowned, on May 6, in a
coronation watched around the world.
And the world has been gripped by the personal sickness drama that’s now engulfed him.
It does seem incredibly cruel and unfair that someone who prepared so long for this moment has been stricken by cancer so soon into his
reign.
Speak to anyone in royal circles, and they’ll tell you how incredibly
hard Charles has always worked, and how diligently he has devoted
himself to the duty of serving his country.
For him to have been incapacitated like this, unable to fulfil that
duty, must have been almost unbearably frustrating for this proud,
conscientious man.
But like his late, great mother, his steely work ethic is only
matched by his resilience and determination.
So, it was no surprise to see his positive statement today, outlining
his plans to get back out doing his job.
Yet it was still a great relief.
As with Kate, there have been all sorts of wild rumours flying around
about how serious his cancer may be.
Only yesterday, the Daily Beast website in the U.S. published an
alarming report by its royal correspondent claiming that Charles’s
condition is more serious than the public is being told and Buckingham Palace is updating plans for his possible death and funeral.
That’s why today’s announcement is so welcome, and so reassuring.
The last time I saw King Charles was six years ago when he was still a
Prince and visited ITV during my time as a Good Morning Britain
presenter.
As a former newspaper editor, I’d published lots of stories about him
that would have given him every reason to give me the swerve, or even the bird, as he walked down the greeting line of star-struck ITV
‘talent.’
But when he reached me, and I exclaimed ‘Your Royal Highness! Very
nice to see you again’, he chuckled, shook my hand, and replied:
‘You’re still around then?’
I am, Your Majesty, and it’s great to see you are too.
Long may that be the case.
Everything we know about King Charles' return to work
Q: Does today’s announcement mean King Charles’ cancer treatment has been successful or finished?
A: The King’s treatment programme is ongoing but doctors are “sufficiently pleased” with the progress so far and Charles is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Further royal engagements will be adapted where necessary to cut down on any recovery risks.
Q: How much longer will King Charles receive treatment?
A: While it is too early to say, the King’s medical team are “very encouraged” by progress made so far and remain “positive” about his recovery.
Q: How many engagements will King Charles undertake in the weeks and months ahead.
A: They will be announced nearer the time in the usual manner and will remain under doctor’s advice. It will not be a full summer programme. His Majesty will continue with all official State business and selected Audiences.
Q: Is there a risk King Charles may be taking on too much with these external duties?
A: The King’s schedule will be carefully designed to meet his recovery needs and he will be in close consultation with his medical team.
Q: Will King Charles attend the Birthday Parade, D-Day Commemorations, Garden Parties, Royal Ascot, or an Autumn overseas Tour?
A: Planning continues for ways in which the King and Queen can attend these summer and autumn engagements. All future plans remain under doctor’s advice.
Q: How is King Charles feeling?
A: The Palace said: “His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued car and expertise.”