On Monday last, King Charles came out of a private clinic with Camila to smile and greet a small crowd.

The message that Buckingham Palace wanted to convey was obvious: the monarch is strong and will continue his duties, despite the “setback” in his health.

A few hours earlier, his bride, Kate Middleton, the princess of wales, was removed from the same hospital after scheduled abdominal surgery.

For several days, global media speculation about their health – and the monarchy as a whole – subsided.

However, Monday’s surprise announcement that Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer inevitably sparked a new frenzy and will once again raise questions about whether it is fair to expect a 75-year-old man to fulfill a program of public duty.

He started his new job, a decade after most men had retired. To many, it will seem as if fate has placed another challenge in front of a kingdom that has been waiting for so long…

Seventy-two years ago, when his grandfather died and his mother became queen, Charles became heir apparent at the age of three. He held that title for 70 years, longer than anyone else.

Since taking over, he has been a fairly cautious king, working within the new constraints but still finding ways to focus on issues he cares about, such as the environment.

So far, the public seems to have accepted him, with a recent poll finding that over 50% of respondents said they are doing a good job, while only 9% said they are doing a poor job.

As always, the Palace has been keen to show that it is business as usual, insisting that the monarchy can continue to function and prosper without Charles and Kate performing their duties.

Camila she continued her duties, and when well-wishers inquired about the king’s health during the week, she gave polite assurances that he was “doing well” and continuing his recovery.

The Palace’s statement certainly gave the impression that the king hoped to return soon. It said the king “remains completely positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to his public duties as soon as possible.”

And he has relapsed in the past too, although none of his past injuries and ailments compare to his current situation. Charles is active. He hikes hills and does gardening, but suffers from back pain, attributed to many falls from horses.

His passion for polo it was the source of many of his previous injuries. He retired from the sport after more than 40 years of playing, having broken many bones. He has slowly but surely made his mark as king, but last month’s prostate treatment and now this announcement will raise questions about how he will shape his role going forward.

King Charles

In June 2001, he broke a small bone in his shoulder after falling from his horse while fox hunting. While tending his gardens, he accidentally hit his thumb with a hammer and broke his finger.

In 2003 she underwent hernia surgery at the private King Edward VII’s Hospital in London, the hospital of choice for the royal family.

In March 2020, Karolos, then 71, contracted the coronavirus but had only mild symptoms. In February 2022 he contracted Covid for the second time, but was triple vaccinated.

For now, the Palace says, it has suspended duties involving the public but will continue to undertake state affairs…