King Charles III recently confessed that his cancer treatment caused him to lose one of his senses. The information was revealed during a major public event designed to formally assign Prince William a role. On May 13, 2024, King Charles III revealed that he was missing a sense. Aaron Mapplebeck, a British Army veteran, revealed the information during an interview at the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.
Aaron spoke with the King about his testicular cancer treatment experience from last year. He emphasized that his treatment had led him to lose his sense of taste. Throughout the discourse, King Charles gained sympathy for Aaron. He stated that he had experienced the same unpleasant consequence. The monarch addressed the ill affects of his treatment for the first time since his cancer diagnosis was made public. The facts of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and treatment remain undisclosed. Buckingham Palace had no other information other than to confirm the King’s health concern.
On February 5, 2024, King Charles’ health situation was first revealed. This was performed using the official palace website. It stated that a “separate issue of concern” was detected during routine hospital surgery for benign prostate enlargement. The results prompted more testing, which revealed a kind of cancer. Since then, King Charles has had regular medical care. This prompted him to take a hiatus from his official duties. He did, however, complete formal papers and conduct business as usual.
Princess Eugenie recently issued a brief update on the King’s condition, despite the palace’s general silence on the subject. She delivered a speech at an Elephant Family charity event, an issue that the royal family is deeply committed to. In answer to questions about her uncle’s health, Eugenie declared that King Charles was “doing well.”
Three months after taking a holiday, King Charles returned to his public duties. On April 26, the palace announced that His Majesty and Queen Camilla will pay a visit to a cancer treatment facility to honor his return to public life. This visit was especially significant because it was his first formal public appearance since being diagnosed. Throughout their visit, the royal couple mingled with patients and medical workers. They also underlined the critical role in cancer therapy and care.
The King’s better health and readiness to resume his royal duties were also mentioned in the official announcement. “His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise,” the statement said. The most recent engagement of His Majesty occurred on May 13, 2024. This signified Prince William’s formal assumption of command of Prince Harry’s former regiment. When William arrived by helicopter, the King bestowed upon him the high rank of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. For thirty years, the King himself performed this duty.
William will now lead the Army’s airborne wing. Among them is the 662 Squadron, which his brother, Prince Harry, temporarily led. The event was rich in military history. A Guard of Honour and Lieutenant General Sir Nicholas Borton, Colonel Commandant of the Army Air Corps, were there to mark the occasion. At the ceremony, which took place in front of an Apache attack helicopter that Prince Harry co-piloted while fighting in Afghanistan, King Charles expressed genuine pride in the regiment’s accomplishments. He also mentioned how long he’d been with them.
He responded, “I hope you will become stronger with the Prince of Wales as your new Colonel-in-Chief. The best part is that he’s an excellent pilot. I can’t tell you how proud I am to having been involved with you for so long.” Following the official activities, King Charles and William met with airmen and their families, emphasizing the royal family’s personal ties to the Army Air Corps.
Following King Charles’ departure, Prince William assumed his first post as Chief of Staff. His schedule was jam-packed with family and staff meetings, operational aircraft inspections, and unit operations briefings. William also took advantage of the opportunity to pilot an Apache helicopter. This was identical to the aid his brother used to provide.
During his visit, Prince William also received a variety of unique gifts. Among them were a plaid shawl for his wife, Catherine Middleton, and an Army Air Corps scarf. Three wooden helicopters for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were also gifted to him. This symbolized the continuation of the family tradition in royal service.
Although William’s official transfer had barely occurred, Buckingham Palace had already proclaimed his new post. According to an earlier article from May, King Charles III planned to appoint his eldest son as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. “In August 2023, upon His Majesty’s Accession, the King was happy to announce military appointments, including the Prince of Wales as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The role had previously been held by His Majesty the King as Prince of Wales for 31 years, according to a Palace statement.
During the Duke of Sussex’s visit to the United Kingdom, Prince William learned that the King had named him Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, which generated quite a commotion among the public. The fact that William was taking up the position for the first time, even though it was not wholly new because Harry had previously held it, added to the intrigue.
The Duke of Sussex has extensive military experience. In addition to previously holding the rank, he served in the Armed Forces for ten years, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan with the British Army, before his operational duties were terminated in 2015. Harry and the rest of the royal family “have official relationships with many units of the Forces.”
According to the official website of the King and Queen of England, the royal family pays “regular visits” to soldiers, airmen, and sailors serving both at home and abroad. For a long time, they have recognized and supported “the work of the Armed Services.” Thinking back on William’s recent bestowal of his new title, the timing of the announcement generated speculation. Given that it is widely known that Harry and his father’s relationship has recently become strained, there has been a lot of speculation in the public.
“This is one of the most public rifts in the world,” between Prince Harry and King Charles III, said royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams. “If it was handled in private without so much press speculation, it would have a better chance of being resolved.” Harry spent a few days in the United Kingdom, but he never met the King of England due to the deep schism between father and son. This has sparked a passionate response from the people.
“In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program,” said a spokesman for Harry. “The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon,” the statement went on to say. According to one media site, when King Charles III began his public royal duties, his calendar was already full.
Following his cancer diagnosis and treatment, King Charles III has been working in the background. Sitiveni Rabuka, Fiji’s Prime Minister, was greeted by an audience at Buckingham Palace. The season’s first garden party, held at Buckingham Palace on May 8, took up much of the King’s time. Harry was equally busy and booked as his father. He was in the UK for the Invictus Games anniversary, which kicked up with a panel discussion. Harry also read during a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
When it was reported that Harry and King Charles III would not be seeing one other at this time, the populace was outraged and startled, with many voicing their discontent with the King. “It is utterly inexcusable that a father cannot prioritize his children. “King or not!!!” a social media user warned. In a similar spirit, another individual stated, “Harry deserves better. Shame on #KingCharles. He mistreated #PrincessDiana as well. #TheWholeWorldIsWatching.” “Shameful…but Prince Harry can sleep well at night.” “He has contacted me several times,” said another.
Another person emphasized the rocky relationship between Princess Diana and King Charles III, saying, “Charles is who Diana said he was 🙃.” Another opponent of King Charles III referred to him as “petty.” Someone on Facebook commented, “As a parent, I can’t imagine not being able to pencil my child into my schedule.” “I can’t imagine anything more important than getting to spend some time with a child that you really don’t see very often,” said a third person.
Another person with strong sentiments about the situation stated, “Unfortunately, his father prioritizes his position over his family. His father has made it abundantly apparent where his love lies. If he truly wanted to visit his son, he would and could. This entire incident demonstrates that it is all about him and his ‘power over others.'”
Given the recent announcement that William, the youngest son, has been given with a new title by his father, King Charles III appears to still be popular with his eldest son, even if their relationship is not ideal right now. Additionally, he is known to get along well with his daughter-in-law, Princess Catherine. On April 24, 2024, we announced that the Princess, like William, had obtained a new title from the King.
According to a declaration issued by King Charles III on April 23, the Princess of Wales will join the Order of the Companions of Honour as a Royal Companion. For any royal, this was their first assignment. With this prestigious appointment, she joins a select group of persons recognized for their outstanding achievements in a range of fields, including public service, science, and the arts.
George V established the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1917. There can only be 65 members of this restricted organization at any given time. Other honorary members from beyond the Commonwealth are welcome, however. Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench, Anna Wintour, Sir Elton John, and Sir David Attenborough are some of its noteworthy members.
When Catherine’s new position was announced, everyone took note. It sparked an outpouring of confused and concerned online comments. Online users’ reactions ranged from supportive to skeptical. A person said, “Definitely a distraction as to what is really happening, but okay,” referring to the royal family’s dynamics. Another inquired, highlighting the Princess’s obvious absence from public engagements, “But where is she?” “A Royal Companion never heard of that role,” someone said.
Another individual responded, “She still hasn’t been seen in public since Dec 25th, and no one seems concerned with this at all?” “I hope she’s getting better,” someone wrote on Facebook. Another individual, bewildered by the new title, inquired, “Ermm, what kind of title is that?” It is clear that, while the distinction is notable, Catherine’s recent low profile is also highlighted. This has sparked public curiosity in her well-being and the circumstances surrounding her new royal duties.