Six months after shocking the world with his cancer diagnosis, King Charles III is reportedly showing promising signs of recovery. The 75-year-old monarch, who stepped back from public duties shortly after the announcement in February, is now considered fit enough to undertake a 10,000-mile tour to Australia and Samoa later this year.
A source close to the King expressed cautious optimism, stating, “The sun wasn’t shining in February, but it is shining now.” This sentiment is echoed by royal aides who report “great optimism” about the King’s health, with treatments reportedly exceeding expectations.
Despite the Palace’s discretion regarding the specific type of cancer, insiders suggest this is a deliberate choice. “The more specific you are, the fewer people you are able to engage and support,” a source explained, highlighting the King’s desire to “reach out and embrace as many people as he can impacted by cancer.”
The King’s treatment, described as “highly evolved and sophisticated,” has not resulted in hair loss or debilitating side effects. However, it has required significant adjustments to his routine. Covid-style tiers were implemented to protect the monarch from infection, limiting his exposure to people and even restricting a visit from Prince Harry to just 30 minutes.
Queen Camilla, 77, has stepped up in support of her husband, taking on duties such as the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral and a two-day solo trip to Belfast in March.
Despite his health challenges, King Charles has remained committed to his role, fulfilling an impressive 464 engagements within the year. Royal palaces welcomed over 105,000 guests during this period, underscoring the monarchy’s continued engagement with the public.
The King’s openness about his health has resonated with the public.
A source close to the monarch shared, “I can’t tell you what a difference that has made for him… He has been genuinely bowled over by the scale of response to that and cancer itself.”
As King Charles continues his recovery, the Palace maintains a cautious approach.
One insider noted, “Rest and recovery has to be taken as seriously a priority as duty, public duty, so we build in rest periods and try to limit the number of hours a day that are public-facing duties.”