Charles learned of diagnosis last week but Camilla stoically carried on with duties & opened cancer centre just days ago
QUEEN Camilla put on a brave face as she 'knew about King Charles' diagnosis' while opening a cancer treatment centre days before the announcement.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the news at 6pm on Monday Evening after a "separate issue of concern was noted" during His Majesty's hospital stay for an enlarged prostate.
The shock announcement came just days after Queen Camilla opened Maggie's Royal Free - a new cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
It is understood the Queen knew about her husband's cancer diagnosis when opening the safe space, but decided to go ahead with the engagement.
Camilla smiled as she shook hands with the architectural team and greeted visitors at the centre, which provides support away from the hospital for patients and their families.
As a royal source told the Daily Mail "she’s made of strong stuff", while a friend said ‘she’s a bl***y brick".
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Another insider told the Mirror: “The Queen has been remarkable.
"While her husband has been in hospital, she was by his side and also making sure she didn’t neglect her own duties."
They added Queen Camilla is "one of the hardest-working members" of the Royal Family who "never complains" and "doesn't want to let anyone down".
The day before the announcement, a message was shared from the official Royal Family X/Twitter platform which read: "Today is #WorldCancerDay - a global initiative aiming to raise awareness about cancer.
"Earlier this week, Her Majesty The Queen opened @MaggiesCentres Royal Free, a new cancer support centre at Royal Free Hospital."
It comes after King Charles, 75, was admitted to The London Clinic on January 26 for corrective prostate surgery.
His majesty was due to stay in hospital for two nights - but his stint was extended by 24 hours.
In a shock announcement on Monday, a Buckingham Palace spokesman stated: "Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
"Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
"He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."
It remains unclear when the King will resume full-time public appearances but has postponed front line duties on doctor's advice.
The Monarch yesterday began a schedule of regular treatments and "remains wholly positive".
King Charles will continue with his red boxes, weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, and monthly Privy Council meetings, but they may have to be scaled back on the advice of doctors.
His Majesty carried out a staggering 516 engagements last year, including 94 trips abroad.
ARTHUR EDWARDS: King Charles has been there for so many people over the decades – now it’s time for the nation to be there for him
LIKE me the nation will be in deep shock at the news that King Charles has cancer - because he is the healthiest man I know.
For the past forty years I have tried to keep up with our monarch as he shakes countless hands, travels across the globe and meets assorted dignitaries.
I must confess that I have not been able to match him for stamina or pace on Royal tours.
Charles works out every evening, loves nothing more than walking across Balmoral’s glorious hillsides in Scotland and only eats organic food, often grown by himself.
The King is incredibly disciplined about his diet.
He doesn’t eat lunch, choosing to go from breakfast to dinner without a proper meal.
There is little doubt that His Majesty will receive the best medical care in the world and I am hopeful that his consultants have caught whatever cancer it is early.
If anyone can get the better of this insidious illness, it is Charles.
In the meantime, other Royals, including the Queen and the Prince of Wales will continue with a full programme of public duties.
The Monarch and Queen Camilla were expected to visit Canada in May, and Australia, New Zealand and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October.
However there is now speculation Prince William may have to step in for the King, who is head of the Commonwealth, at CHOGM.
Other trips could be postponed depending on how the King's health progresses.
What we know so far:
- The King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer
- Prince Harry rushed to the airport in LA to fly home to support his father
- Meghan will remain in California with their children
- The King personally called his siblings and children to tell them of his diagnosis
- Charles is receiving expert care from specialist doctors
- His Majesty returned from Sandringham to London to begin treatment
- Doctors advised the King to postpone public-facing Royal duties
- Camilla and William will step up to share the weight of the King's duties during his treatment
- Charles will continue to receive Red Boxes and State documents
- Charles and Camilla shared a cancer message just a day before announcing his diagnosis
William could also be seen playing a key role at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey at the start of March and the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.
The prince is set to carry out an investiture at Windsor Castle on Wednesday - one of his own regular duties - and attend the London Air Ambulance annual fundraising evening gala in central London in his role as patron of the charity.
His return to royal duties will be seen as an attempt to signal stability within the monarchy after he took a step back while Princess Kate was in hospital for a planned abdominal surgery.
The mum-of-three, 42, was admitted on January 16 for the op and is expected to resume Royal duties by Easter.
It comes as Prince Harry was spotted at Los Angeles International airport as he makes his way to the UK today to be with his father.
The Duke of Sussex, who was informed of the news personally by the Monarch, was seen arriving into a private terminal at LAX in his black Range Rover.
He is due to land in the UK around midday today to be with King Charles, 75, as soon as possible.
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Meghan, 42, is set to stay behind at their Montecito mansion with children Archie, 4 and two-year-old Lilibet.
Royal experts claim the news may finally see Harry put his four-year rift aside as the Royal Family pull together in this difficult time.
Possible reconciliation
King Charles has had a strained relationship with his younger son in the wake of 'Megxit' but sources now say there is a “willingness and wanting to mend on both sides”
January 2020 - Harry and Meghan make their 'Megxit' flight, leaving for Canada, eventually setting up home in California, USA.
March 2021 - Harry and Meghan give their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey where Harry accused his dad of cutting him off financially.
April 2023 - Harry has a "heart-to-heart" talk with his dad before agreeing to come to the Coronation in London
May 2023 - The Duke travelled alone to attend the ceremony on May 6.
November 2023 - Hopes of a reconciliation raised after Harry called Charles to wish him a happy 75th birthday and sent a video of the King’s US-based grandkids.
February 2024 - Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams exclusively told The Sun: "The rift in the family is one thing, but there surely will be a good deal of solidarity among the royals because of what's happened and this includes Harry.
"I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction."
"For families everywhere cancer is so shocking and as much as humanly possible they need to pull together - and that includes Harry and Meghan despite everything that has happened.
"There will be concern from Prince Harry coming over, as he is his father, I sincerely hope it will be the moment that brings them together, families have known the struggle of cancer and this is clearly a circumstance no one foresaw.
"It is a deeply emotional time for the royal family and Harry is included in that, reconciliation could be hopeful with Sussexes but right now its about Charles and his treatment plan."
