Prince William returns to his official duties this week and is also expected to take on some responsibilities on behalf of his father, King Charles, who has stepped down from public duties to undergo cancer treatment.
According to local media reports, the 75-year-old king has postponed all his public duties to begin his medical care as an outpatient under the supervision of a specialised medical team. A Buckingham Palace source revealed:
He’s on his usual good form in every way, just a little frustrated that his condition has affected not just his own plans but impacted on others.
King Charles was seen for the first time since his cancer diagnosis on Tuesday after meeting his youngest son Prince Harry. The prince flew to London from Los Angeles, where he moved in 2020 after quitting royal duties.
Meanwhile, Prince William, 41, returns to his official responsibilities this week after taking a leave of absence following the abdominal surgery his wife Catherine underwent last month. The crown prince is also expected to take on some duties on Charles’ behalf.
Buckingham Palace announced that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer on Monday.
His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.
Charles ascended the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on 8 September 2022. In May 2023, at the first coronation service in nearly 70 years, he was crowned at Westminster Abbey in London, becoming King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth nations, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
