King Charles is 'still very much in charge' and eager to carry on duties

21 February 2024 , 22:08

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King Charles is 'still very much in charge' and eager to carry on duties

King Charles is "still very much in charge" and eager to continue his duties despite his cancer diagnosis, according to a body language expert.

The monarch - who is undergoing treatment for the currently unspecified cancer - met with Rishi Sunak today for his first face-to-face audience with the PM since announcing his diagnosis earlier this month.

Judi James told the Mirror: "The long, firm handshake with his PM plus the way he lowered himself into his chair with perfect balance and both hands on his knees rather than steadying himself on the arms of the chair suggested the King is keen to be seen as eager and able to continue with his duties since his cancer diagnosis, while his active gesticulation as he sat and chatted to Rishi suggested a man still very much in charge."

During the meeting, the King, 75, confessed to the outpouring of well-wishes from the public "brings me to tears". He added: "I've had so many wonderful messages and cards which brings me to tears most of the time."

King Charles III with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace (PA)

Charles met Mr Sunak face-to-face at Buckingham Palace late on Wednesday afternoon, marking the restart of their weekly encounters to discuss matters of Government. Beforehand, the monarch held an in-person Privy Council at the royal residence, where attendees would have included Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt.

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The King, who has been dealing with his red boxes of State papers behind the scenes, started outpatient treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer just over two weeks ago. In the private audience room at Buckingham Palace, Mr Sunak told the King "the country is all behind you".

Charles was in jovial mood with the leader (PA)

After being introduced to the King for the meetings, Mr Sunak commented how pleased he was to see the King, leading the sovereign to joke: "There's been a gap, I'm afraid". The Prime Minister said: "Well, a bit, but it's wonderful to see you looking so well."

Charles, who this week was scheduled to undergo his third weekly treatment for a form of cancer, lightened the mood as he said: "Well, it's all done by mirrors", to which the PM replied: "We'll we're all behind you, the country is behind you."

A senior palace source said today: "It's very much a case of business as usual for the King. His Majesty is continuing with private business in parallel with his regular treatment in as normal a way as possible. He is certainly keen to be seen and reassure people that he is doing well and the mood music is very much a case of 'Keep King and Carry On'."

Judi James said the way Charles sat gave major clues into his thinking (PA)

Charles has been recovering at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk in between returning to London for weekly cancer treatments. On Tuesday, the King and Queen flew from Sandringham to Buckingham Palace before Charles was driven to Windsor Castle. Palace sources said he undertook two days of meetings before returning by car to the capital for treatment.

The sovereign, who has been staying with the Queen at his Clarence House home when in London, is expected to return to Sandringham again on Thursday. Charles was admitted to hospital for three nights in January after being diagnosed with an enlarged prostate.

Ryan Merrifield