Every week for most of this year, a car, often the State Bentley, has carried King Charles out of Clarence House to undertake something unprecedented for a British monarch – receiving cancer treatment with public knowledge. Only now, after eight months of this routine, it has been disclosed that Charles has made a startling decision – to halt his treatment temporarily. This pause coincides with his and Queen Camilla's upcoming 11-day tour to the southern regions.
The fact that the King is willing to take such a step in his treatment, with his doctors' approval, underscores the extent to which he is committed to preserving the monarchy. New details reveal that this commitment is increasingly challenging to uphold. Consider the three-minute, pastoral Instagram video released by Kate, the Princess of Wales, last month to announce the end of her chemotherapy. The video, the longest ever released by her and Prince William, featured not only their three children but also her parents, Mike and Carole Middleton, in a warm and familial setting. Notably absent were any references to William's father or the royal family.
It has been revealed by The Daily Beast's Tom Sykes that the Waleses' video was not approved by the king, indicating a shift in power dynamics since Charles' diagnosis. Meanwhile, as the Waleses focus on their public image, Charles has been conserving his energy. October, typically a busy month for the 75-year-old, has been deliberately light to prepare for the upcoming tour. The tour itself has been adjusted to include rest days, reflecting the King's need to conserve energy despite the luxury and comfort of the trip.
A source provided a candid assessment of Charles' condition, noting his visible weight loss and aging. Despite this, the tour proceeds, highlighting its importance. The itinerary, while not thrilling, aims to maintain the status quo that the late Queen upheld for 70 years. The monarchy and its remaining realms, like Australia, have existed in a holding pattern, with respect for the late Queen keeping republicanism at bay. Charles' efforts to keep this structure intact are evident, even against the advice of his wife, Queen Camilla.
Charles' situation is poignant; while his son and heir, William, capitalizes on shifting dynamics, Charles battles cancer to preserve his mother's legacy. One can't help but wonder who would want such a role, especially without the perks of a beach visit.
