King Charles health update after cancer diagnosis as monarch marks anniversary
As the King marks the second anniversary of his ascension to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a Royal insider has reported that his health is "heading in a very positive trajectory". Charles, 75, assumed the role of head of state immediately after the passing of his mother, the longest-reigning monarch in the nation's history, who died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, aged 96.
Despite being a relatively new monarch compared to his mother's record-breaking reign, the King has had a tumultuous second year on the throne, having been diagnosed with cancer and undergoing ongoing treatment. His daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, has also been battling the disease.
However, an insider revealed that Charles has faced the past year with a "determination to be as public as he was able", in order to reassure the nation about his capabilities. The King has also found strength in the support of Queen Camilla.
"Her natural warmth, resilience and sense of humour, as I'm sure any patient will tell you, is a wonderful thing to have," the source told the PA news agency. "Of course it's been a stressful year for Her Majesty, too, but there was never a sense of despondency, only a determination that they would get through this, as with so many other challenging issues in the past."
On the anniversary, which falls during his summer break at his Aberdeenshire estate in the Scottish Highlands, Charles is expected to attend church and spend time in private prayer and reflection. The source shared a reflection on the gravity of the upcoming events, stating: "There will be personal thoughts, prayers and reflections."
Additionally, they commented on the significance of the day, adding: "I'm sure it will be a very poignant day for all. How could it not be, not least given the year of challenge that the whole family has had? ".
As the royals prepare for their major tour to Australia and Samoa this autumn a significant trip following the announcement of Charles's cancer diagnosis the source emphasised the priority of health. They said: "Health has to remain the number one priority, albeit heading in a very positive trajectory,".
Camilla, during the opening of a new cancer centre in Bath, provided an update on the Kings recovery, affirming he was "doing very well". The scheduled Royal visit down under is expected to accommodate sufficient rest for the King with a less demanding itinerary, having removed New Zealand from the plan to ease travel stress.
However, the source anticipates Charles's agenda will remain "pretty full on". Charles took a break from public duties for around three months after his diagnosis but resumed in April with an appearance at a London cancer centre.
Other key events included attending D-Day 80th commemorations in Portsmouth and Normandy, Trooping the Colour, a state visit from Japan, journeys to Jersey and Guernsey, witnessing the installation of a new Prime Minister after Labour's emphatic election victory, and the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament. "The best way of seeing how the King has coped is through his actions and words everything that you've seen, everything that he's said, and everything that he's done," said the source.
"From the earliest outset of the health challenge, it was the King's determination to be as public as he was able, so that people could be reassured by just how much he was still able to do in the circumstances, under his doctors' advice. That has obviously slowly dialed up as the programme of treatment and recovery continued, with the result that the King is off on a 12,000 mile trip to Australia and Samoa in a few weeks' time."
Following surgery earlier this year, the King has reportedly been buoyed by increased public conversations and actions regarding cancer, notably a surge in prostate screenings. As he continues to manage his health, he hopes to demonstrate how individuals with cancer can maintain aspects of their daily routine where possible.
This Saturday, the Royal family is expected at the traditional Braemar Gathering near Balmoral, where they customarily enjoy front-row views of the Highland games. Typically, gun salutes are performed on Accession Day. However, as this year's anniversary falls on a Sunday - a day traditionally exempt from such tributes - the military homage by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery at Hyde Park and The Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London has been rescheduled for Monday.