King 'carrying on behind the scenes' since stepping back from public duties

09 March 2024 , 07:49

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King Charles III reads cards and messages sent by well-wishers following his cancer diagnosis (Image: PA)

King Charles is keeping himself busy by continuing to carry out his royal duties - despite his shock cancer diagnosis.

While the King has stepped back from "public-facing duties" he continues to work behind the scenes, such as dealing with paperwork and greeting ambassadors. On March 6, the 75-year-old monarch was pictured shaking hands with Algeria's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Nourredine Yazid, and the Ambassador of Mauritania, Samba Mamadou.

Charles has cut back his duties in the short term while he continues treatment for the as yet unspecified cancer, but remains busy behind the scenes. He also had a virtual meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week.

Recently, he was spotted leaving his home at Clarence House in London to head for the iconic royal residence to meet the diplomats. The King appeared cheery as he raised a smile and a wave to well-wishers from his car.

While King Charles is not carrying out public duties while he is in treatment, he is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on state papers. Other members of the Royal Family, including Queen Consort Camilla and Prince William, have stepped up to undertake extra royal duties.

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Last month, Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate. He has been continuing to recover at the weekends from the "less invasive" treatment at his country estates Sandringham and Highgrove, after his weekly visits to a London hospital.

King Charles III meets with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace (Getty Images)

A source told The Times: "Despite the diagnosis and treatments, he is carrying on doing as much as he possibly can, but obviously has to do that with a schedule where everything is very slightly adapted. What's amazing during this hiatus is how little has changed rather than how much has changed."

Charles was treated in the same hospital as his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, 42, who is recovering from abdominal surgery. Also in Charles' absence, Camilla, 76, met Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska at Clarence House on Thursday.

Camilla has completed 13 official engagements solo since her husband's condition came to light. This includes leading the Royal Family at a memorial service for the King's close pal, the late King Constantine of Greece.

Ryan Merrifield