King Charles III is being encouraged to lessen his royal responsibilities following a brief hospitalization linked to temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. The 76-year-old monarch’s health issue was characterized by Buckingham Palace as a minor “bump in the road,” yet it resulted in the cancellation of all royal engagements planned for the subsequent day.
Royal experts and commentators are advocating for the king to cut back on his duties, particularly those less engaging in nature. This recommendation arises as Charles continues his battle with cancer, a diagnosis he received in early 2024 after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.
“The trouble is, he’s been so conditioned to work that I don’t think he functions unless he’s working,” royal author Ingrid Seward told Newsweek. “When he’s not working, he’s probably a bit all over the place, I know I’m like that. He’s always working and it’s just not his nature to take an afternoon nap, which I’m sure Camilla is trying to make him do.”
Charles’s commitment to his work has been a defining trait, with Queen Camilla reportedly being somewhat successful in convincing him to ease his workload. Despite his health challenges, the king has maintained an active schedule of public events since his diagnosis, reducing his workload only when medically necessary.
Seward, the author of “My Mother and I,” suggested that allowing the king to focus on the more stimulating aspects of his role while delegating routine tasks to other senior royals might be a feasible solution.
“Cancer treatment makes you very, very tired,” she explained. “The trouble is it’s his duty as monarch to do these stifling boring handshakes with incoming and outgoing ambassadors.”
Following the recent health issue, King Charles resumed public duties, marking his first official engagement since his hospitalization at the London Clinic. He appeared in good spirits while conducting an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where he awarded honors to several individuals.
The king’s prompt return to work suggests an improvement in his overall health, according to royal observers. “He’s always been driven and he’s strong,” Seward noted. “This cancer has weakened him but I think he’s fine.”
Charles and his medical team drafted a health-conscious schedule to ensure he and Queen Camilla had a successful planned visit to Italy. This significant trip coincided with the royal couple’s 20th wedding anniversary on April 9.
The king and queen visited with Pope Francis at the Vatican during their Italian tour.
Since revealing his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, King Charles has taken a different approach to health communication compared to previous monarchs. While he has not disclosed the specific type of cancer, he has been relatively open about his treatment journey, marking a departure from the more private approach during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
Cancer charities have commended this transparency, noting that by not specifying the type of cancer, the king has avoided favoring one form of the disease over others while still raising awareness about cancer treatment and recovery.
Throughout his treatment, which is expected to continue thrugh 2025, Charles has remained determined not to let his illness define him. Despite medical advice to delay public duties during the initial stages of his treatment, he continued to handle state business and official paperwork.
In October 2024, the king even paused his cancer treatments during an 11-day royal tour of Australia and Samoa, demonstrating his commitment to his role as monarch and head of the Commonwealth.
Royal observers have noted that maintaining his work provides the king with purpose during his recovery. However, the recent hospital visit serves as a reminder that he continues to face challenges from his ongoing treatment.
As the monarch navigates his health journey while fulfilling his royal responsibilities, the balance between duty and recovery remains delicate. While Charles has shown remarkable resilience, the advice from royal experts suggests that some adjustment to his workload might be necessary to protect his long-term health.
The palace continues to provide reassurance about the king’s condition, emphasizing that his recovery is progressing positively despite occasional setbacks related to his treatment.