It’s only been 17 months since King Charles ascended the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth and just nine months after his official coronation on 6 May 2023. From the beginning of his reign, his advanced age was strongly commented on, but at the same time, the good physical condition of the new monarch, with proper nutrition and exercise, was mentioned.

Hence the news of a cancer diagnosis in King Charles, yesterday afternoon at 18:00 local time, shocked the British. “During the King’s recent operation for benign prostatic hypertrophy, a distinct issue was noted which caused concern. In the diagnostic tests that followed, a form of cancer was detected.” says the Palace at the beginning of its announcement, clarifying at the same time that it is not prostate cancer.

This morning, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak he wanted to reassure people. Speaking on BBC radio, she clarified that she is “in regular contact with the King”, while giving an indication of the monarch’s health, saying “feels grateful to have been diagnosed early” and thus excluding advanced stage scenarios.

The successor bears the greatest burden

It is pointed out that – based on the British government – decisions are taken by the Parliament, but in order to come into force they need to have the king’s signature. According to the Palace’s official statement, the 75-year-old monarch will have to step back from his official duties involving public appearances, but will continue to carry out executive duties in overseeing government work. This is why the British media consider that it is not a “constitutional crisis”.

The reactions from the political world of the country were immediate – and not only. The leader of the main opposition, Sir Keir Starmer, as well as the prime ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sent wishes for a full and speedy recovery, as well as messages of support to him and his family. American President Joe Biden said that “hope and absolute courage are needed”, even adding that he and his wife will pray for a speedy recovery.

The brunt will now fall to Crown Prince William, who returns to his duties as early as tomorrow, with two events planned. Queen Camilla, as well as his siblings Anne and Edward, will also represent Charles, with the British media already highlighting the strained schedule as working members of the royal family have been significantly reduced.

What will be the “next day” for the monarchy

Charles’ abstention from public appearances will affect the monarchy more. In March it looks certain that he will not attend a number of scheduled Commonwealth events. while his trips – in May to Canada and in October to Australia – are doubtful whether they will take place.

All these and dozens more similar events are considered crucial for the cohesion of the Commonwealth and the preservation of the monarchy, in an already tense period after the death of Elizabeth.

Nevertheless, a recent poll showed that the monarch has benefited from the events of the last few weeks. In particular, an Ipsos poll published just two days ago showed that during the hospitalization of Charles and Princess Kate, their popularity rose by 3 percentage points. In fact, Karolos is considered to be doing a good job by 51% of respondents, while only 9% consider the opposite.

King Charles is said to remain optimistic at the start of his treatments, and has also invited Prince Harry to come to London from Los Angeles to be by his father’s side.

DW: Zoe Katzagiannakis, London