As previously reported by Index, Buckingham Palace announced on February 5th that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer.
The announcement clarified that the diagnosis was not prostate cancer and that treatment for his illness would begin shortly. While the King has continued to perform his paperwork duties, various royal family members, including Queen Consort Camilla and
Prince William, have made appearances on his behalf at different events.
Rumors began to circulate among concerned Britons after it was revealed that the King, due to his illness, would not be hosting the traditional Easter family gathering this year. However, sources close to the family assert that there is no cause for serious concern.
So much so, that the King plans to attend the Easter service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor on foot, as initially planned, according to the BBC reports confirmed by Buckingham Palace. The King, currently undergoing cancer treatment, has decided not to host the Easter luncheon this year as a precaution.
At 75, King Charles, focusing on his health, is expected to sit beside his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, in the chapel, away from the congregation as a precaution. Consequently, attendance at the service is expected to be significantly less than usual. Nonetheless, the situation has garnered media interest as the service will mark King Charles III’s first public appearance in nearly two months.
His last public sighting was in early February when he was seen attending church in Sandringham with Camilla. Experts suggest that this upcoming appearance likely indicates that the King's health has not deteriorated in recent times. Earlier this week, the King expressed his “deep sadness” for missing the traditional Maundy Thursday service, which Queen Consort Camilla attended in his place.
Despite the King’s attendance at the Sunday event, there will be notable absences: Duchess Catherine, who is also receiving cancer treatment, and her husband,
Prince William, will not be present in the chapel. Last week, the Duchess of Wales announced that she is battling cancer, requiring immediate treatment.
The specific types of cancer affecting both the King and the Duchess have not been disclosed.