05 February 2024 , 20:22
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It has been a difficult few weeks for Prince William and Queen Camilla as they have seen their loved ones in hospital over health problems.
But being without their significant others has brought the pair closer together, according to a royal expert. Buckingham Palace confirmed tonight that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo immediate treatment - which follows a diagnosis last month of an enlarged prostate.
The monarch spent three days in hospital after undergoing a medical procedure for the benign condition. It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as cancer.
It comes one week after the Princess of Wales was discharged from The London Clinic following abdominal surgery and an update confirmed she was at home making "good progress". Both William and Camilla had been in hospital to visit the two senior royals, with former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond telling OK! that Camilla, 76, "visited him so much because she loves him and felt lost without him."
Camilla, Queen Consort, King Charles III, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales pose for a photo ahead of their Majesties reception for Heads of State and Official Overseas Guests at Buckingham Palace on September 18, 2022 (Getty Images)In recent days, the Queen has kept busy with royal engagements, and according to the correspondent, has been proving that the late Queen's faith in her was not misplaced, juggling both public and private family matters. "Charles and Kate's illnesses will have knitted the family even closer together because they've had to think about how they are going to carry on with their jobs," Jennie said.
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"Kate and Camilla already had a very close relationship and I'm sure that in between caring for Charles, she will be popping round to see Kate. This whole situation will actually bring Camilla and William closer together because at the moment it's nurse William and nurse Camilla who will be trying to make their spouses' lives easier and gently reminding them to get as much rest as possible."
Meanwhile, royal expert and historian, Dr Tessa Dunlop, argued that King Charles' unprecedented initial statement about his health last month was designed to protect Kate as she also recovers from surgery. She explained to the Mirror: "It is highly unusual for the Royal Family to divulge private health matters. In that respect the shared information about the King's enlarged prostate was unprecedented, and it was also canny.
"Buckingham Palace doesn't do spontaneity; the release of a statement containing private matters about the King's health immediately after news of the Princess of Wales' major abdominal surgery was deliberate. The timing deflected from his daughter-in-law's major operation, likewise, the private detail concerning his prostate gave the public something else to think about. (The NHS website saw increased traffic on the subject).
"But beyond that obvious strategy, I believe there was something else at play. By sharing a slice of the personal, Charles's statement served to underline the absence of any real detail concerning Kate's condition. The protective King may as well have said 'Here, have some information on me, but keep your prying eyes away from my daughter-in-law.' Read side-by-side the statements are a powerful example of well-coordinated PR. Here was a modern, public service Royal Family, but one with very clear boundaries."
Royal sources said the King "does not have prostate cancer" and his separate condition was only recently diagnosed in tests following hospital treatment for benign prostate enlargement. Sources said it was only due to the intervention on his prostate that his cancer was identified and that the King was tremendously grateful to the medical professionals for making a swift diagnosis.
The statement from Buckingham Palace reads: "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. 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."