06 February 2024 , 14:26
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Queen Camilla encouraged her husband King Charles to break a huge royal tradition after hearing his cancer diagnosis, an expert has claimed.
The Monarch has been diagnosed with a type of cancer following his treatment for an enlarged prostate last week. The type of cancer is not known, but The Mirror understands he does not have prostate cancer. He will begin treatment immediately and has been advised to step back from all public-facing duties.
Traditionally, members of the Royal Family keep their medical issues secret, as they understandably want privacy while undergoing treatment. However Charles has made the unusual step to share his diagnosis. While he hasn't said which type of cancer he has, sharing that he has cancer at all is a break from tradition. Speaking to The Mirror, royal expert Jennie Bond speculates it was Camilla who persuaded him to be open about what he's going through.
Queen Camilla will be a huge support to King Charles in the coming weeks (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)She said: "I’m sure Camilla will have encouraged the King to break with royal tradition and be open about his diagnosis. She’s a very straightforward person, which is one of the most refreshing things about her.
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"And, when she’s not out on manoeuvres for the firm, she’ll be fussing over him like any other doting wife. For a couple in their mid to late seventies, news like this is a sharp and unwelcome reminder of human mortality. But they both have a big job to do, with limited years to do it. And so they may well see this as a blessing in disguise. A cancer has been detected, it is being treated and the expectation is that the King will be back to full time duties just as soon as possible."
Charles' health update comes just after he decided to disclose details of his enlarged prostate treatment last month in a bid to raise awareness. His statement led to a massive spike in searches for prostate cancer, which will hopefully make more people aware of the symptoms.
Jennie also talks about the support Camilla will give Charles, describing her as an "invaluable weapon in his arsenal as he faces the undeniable shock of a cancer diagnosis".
She goes on: "She has the sunniest of temperaments and her default mode is to be upbeat and cheerful. For a man who has always had a slight tendency to brood on things, that attitude could be one of the most important factors on his road to recovery. Don’t get me wrong: the Queen will of course be shocked and hugely concerned that the man she adores has been beset by a double whammy of health problems.
"But her positive attitude to life in general will undoubtedly help the King as he continues his treatment. It’s worth noting that, as she has taken up the royal workload in recent days — with the King, the Prince and Princess of Wales all out of action —she must have had the underlying worry about her husband facing a new scare. It was brave, but she showed no sign of cracking under the pressure."