Health crisis a ‘temporary blip’ for the monarchy
This is not a seismic change, say royal sources, as King looks to build back his health by the summer
A DOUBLE health scare that has left the King and Princess of Wales unable to carry out public duties as they undergo cancer treatment is a “temporary blip” and not a “seismic change” for the monarchy, palace sources have said.
The King is said to be “very positive” and his doctors “optimistic”, as aides plan for him to build back to resume his fuller schedule of engagements “towards the summer”.
He has been undergoing regular treatment for cancer since last month. The Princess of Wales announced on Friday that she too is under the care of a medical team and having a course of preventative chemotherapy.
Both have been compelled to halt their public engagements, with the King instead working behind closed doors and the Princess at home to focus on her health.
But, one source told The Telegraph: “It’s a temporary blip, not a seismic change.” They added: “It feels like a short period where there has been understandable concern. But the King is very positive, his doctors are optimistic, and you can see the impact of treatment has not impeded him. What’s pretty incredible is how the business of state has continued. The Queen is fulfilling her duties, the King is undertaking all of his constitutional workload and I think we’ll continue to see royal activity across the board.”
The King has made a conscious effort to be photographed undertaking his key duties, including issuing a rare video from his private audience with the Prime Minister, pictures of him welcoming visiting diplomats, and regular shots of him in the car to and from Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.
The Queen will carry out three engagements this week, including representing the King at the annual Royal Maundy service.
Of the King’s return to public engagements, the palace source said: “We continue to plan for an optimistic outcome, building towards the summer.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales have, for now, emphasised their wish for privacy.
A Kensington Palace source said they “sincerely hope” the Princess will now be left alone to spend Easter with her family.
The Prince of Wales will be off duty over the Easter holidays, which the family will spend in Norfolk as usual, ensuring Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis can enjoy their usual routines out of the limelight. Friends and former staff have rallied to support the family. Ailsa Anderson, a former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, told GB News: “It’s not a crisis. A crisis is an abdication. Crisis is not knowing the line of succession. This is a bump in the road. It is not a major earthquake in my opinion.
“You’ve got two senior members of the Royal family who are ill, who are being treated for cancer. But hopefully this is a blip and going forward they will recuperate and carry on doing the amazing work that they do.
“I think going forward, let her [the Princess of Wales] have some peace. Let her have some privacy. Let the family have some privacy so she can recuperate. And the palace shouldn’t be providing a running commentary, absolutely.
“We never did when the late Queen was unwell or Prince Philip. We always say we’re not going to provide a day-today commentary on their condition.” Asked by host Camilla Tominey, also
The Telegraph’s associate editor, whether the Royal family is too small, she said: “I think the balance is right at the moment. Obviously, we have two members of the Royal family out of action, but they will come back into the fold again.”
The King will this week deliver an audio Easter message to the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral. He will be represented in person by the Queen. The couple are hoping to attend the Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle.
‘It’s not a crisis – a crisis is an abdication. This is a bump in the road. It is not a major earthquake’