King Charles III was diagnosed with a form of cancer on February 5, 2024, which was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate according to a statement from the Buckingham Palace.
The King has however not yet delegated any of his official duties to any eligible Counsellors of State.
In a statement, the Palace maintained that the monarch remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“The King began regular treatments on Monday and will postpone public duties during it,” the Palace said.
Buckingham Palace announced on January 5, 2024 that the monarch’s cancer was discovered while receiving hospital treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
The statement, however, did not reveal specific details about the type of cancer, and it has remained undisclosed with the Palace confirming that it is not prostate cancer.
Following the King’s diagnosis, The Kenya Times has since established instances in which the monarch may be forced to delegate his official duties.
The first instance would be if King Charles became completely unable to carry out his constitutional duties to the point where the state could no longer function properly.
In such a scenario, the monarch’s powers can be withdrawn and assumed by a regent.
Under a 1937 law, a regent in that case would be the next in line to the throne, which is his son Prince William of Wales.
King Charles sickness
On the other hand, the second instance is if the King was to become so ill that he is unable to carry out his full duties on a temporary basis.
In this case, he would be allowed to delegate some of them to two or more Counsellors of State.
Also Read: King Charles Sick with Prostate Condition as Princess Undergoes Surgery
The current Counsellors of State are his wife Queen Camilla, his sons Princes William and Harry, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, and Princess Beatrice.
Prince William and his wife Kate had both cleared their diaries of public duties until at least Easter.
However, hours before Charles’ diagnosis were made public, Kensington Palace announced that the Prince of Wales would resume engagements later this week.
Leaders across the world reacted to the statement by the Palace which revealed about the King’s illness, with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wishing him a quick recovery.
“I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time, and I know the whole country will be wishing him well,” Sunak said.
US President Joe Biden meanwhile said he is “concerned” about King Charles while speaking at an event in Las Vegas when he was asked about the development.
Following the diagnosis, Prince Harry is also set to travel to the United Kingdom to see his father.
In a poignant turn of events, the Duke of Sussex is poised to make a significant journey back to the UK to be by his father’s side.
Also Read: King Charles in Kenya
According to reports from the BBC, a spokesperson for Prince Harry revealed that he had already conversed with his father about the diagnosis and is preparing to fly from California to visit him.
Strenuous relationship
This development unfolds against the backdrop of strained relations between Prince Harry and the royal family following his decision to step back from senior royal duties alongside his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020.
The departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from their official roles within the monarchy has been met with a blend of intrigue and controversy.
Furthermore, the popular couple has many times openly addressed their struggles within the institution through various media platforms.
Prince Harry’s impending visit to the UK marks a poignant moment as he reunites with his family during a time of personal adversity.
The 75-year-old monarch has initiated regular treatment and will temporarily withdraw from public duties.
However, Buckingham palace noted that he remains committed to fulfilling his constitutional obligations, including private meetings and paperwork.
