King Charles faced a life-altering 2024 after being diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in January. Today, new cancer revelations add a scary twist to a year where the monarch battled the disease.
Reportedly this isn’t the first cancer scare King Charles has had
Robert Hardman, author of the book Charles III, New King, New Court, was interviewed by The Daily Beast. He shared details of King Charles’ unknown, past cancer scare.
In interviewing those close to the monarch for his book, Hardman found that Charles has faced a past cancer scare. Details regarding it have not been revealed publicly.
Perhaps that is why King Charles, per Hardman, was matter-of-fact about his diagnosis. “He was very matter-of-fact about it, with no panic. He has a strong sense of spirituality that buoyed him up. He’s brave.”
Charles underwent surgery to treat his cancer. However, Buckingham Palace did not disclose his treatment.
The king subsequently chose to share his diagnosis to help the public understand cancer and to prevent speculation. He also shared he was grateful to his medical team.
King Charles handled his diagnosis publicly while Kate Middleton chose to be private
Both King Charles and Kate Middleton were diagnosed with cancer in 2024. While Kate Middleton chose to initially remain out of sight after her diagnosis, Charles was more public-facing.
Hardman explains, “He’s the head of state, so there’s a public right to know if he’s capable of fulfilling his duties. There was a decision not to be too heavy-handed about privacy.”
He continued, “When he came to London for treatment, he chose to travel in a state car so people could see him. With the princess, it was different; she’s a young, energetic mother of three, and the decision was made to keep it private. She doesn’t have a constitutional role, so she’s entitled to treat it as she wishes.”
Hardman believes that typically, both Kate and Charles are “private people.” However, in one of three public statements about her battle against cancer, Kate has announced that her treatment is complete.
However, Charles’ is ongoing. He has not made any public remarks as to when his weekly treatments will cease.
How has King Charles’ cancer diagnosis impacted sons, Prince William and Prince Harry?
Upon a public statement that King Charles had cancer, Prince William did not share his thoughts on the subject. At that same time, he was dealing with his wife Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis.
However, in November 2024, William shared his thoughts about a “difficult” year. He shared his thoughts in an interview published by People Magazine.
William stated, “Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult. I’m so proud of my wife, and I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”
Prince Harry rushed to the United Kingdom after learning of his father’s diagnosis in February 2024. He reportedly spent less than an hour with the monarch before returning to his home in California. When asked about the details of his meeting with Charles, Harry declined to provide any information to the press.
King Charles is expected to attend the 2024 Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, December 8. Other family members expected to attend include Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Kate Middleton’s parents and siblings, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
