King Charles III has won the hearts of many Britons as he faces his biggest battle yet.
The reigning monarch, who was crowned on May 6, 2023 at London's Westminster Abbey, is currently battling cancer. The 75-year-old's decision to be open about his diagnosis has helped the public connect with the monarchy on a personal level, several royal experts told Fox News Digital.
And it is not only the king who has spoken about his health problems. His daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, has made it public that she is receiving chemotherapy.
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Catherine, Princess of Wales and King Charles III attend the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023, in Sandringham, Norfolk. In early 2024, both royals separately announced that they had been diagnosed with cancer. (Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images)
“This unfortunate health battle has not only brought the king and his daughter-in-law closer together, but has also endeared them to millions of people around the world who have had to face a terrifying cancer diagnosis, either themselves or their loved ones. a loved one,” Shannon Felton Spence, a former British public affairs official, told Fox News Digital.
Prince William is seen leaving the London Clinic after visiting Catherine on January 18, 2024 in London. The Princess of Wales was admitted to the clinic for abdominal surgery. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“They made the right decision to be transparent about the diagnosis; it's the first time in history that a British monarch has done that,” Felton Spence shared. “The king knows this is an opportunity to connect and serve as an advocate for men everywhere, and to really make a difference with early diagnosis rates.”
“The Princess of Wales took more time to reveal the truth of her treatment, but explained so movingly that the decision had everything to do with the preparation of her young children,” Felton Spence continued. “I think we can expect her to have a greater presence in cancer advocacy when she is well enough.”
King Charles III attends the Royal Windsor Endurance event at Windsor Great Park on day three of the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 3, 2024, in Windsor, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
In February, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer and was undergoing treatment. Another “issue of concern” was identified during the monarch's “benign prostate enlargement” procedure at the London Clinic.
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“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement at the time.
In a video shared in March, the Princess of Wales, 42, revealed that she is also battling a form of cancer. Her surprising announcement came after weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts.
Kate Middleton announced to the world that she had cancer in a pre-recorded message shared in March. (Prince and Princess of Wales Twitter)
Middleton asked for “time, space and privacy” while receiving treatment for an unspecified type of cancer that was discovered after what she described as “major” surgery.
Charles said he is “very proud of Catherine for her bravery in speaking out as she did,” according to a statement released by Buckingham Palace. The king, who received prostate treatment at the same hospital at the same time Kate was undergoing surgery, had remained in “close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law.”
The king and Queen Camilla “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family at this difficult time,” the palace said.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following their coronation on May 6, 2023 in London. (Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images)
By choosing to speak directly to the country and the world about her condition, rather than issuing a statement through the palace, the princess offered a level of intimacy and transparency atypical of a member of the British royal family. The king's revelation of her condition was also remarkably open by royal standards.
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Police officers stand outside the London Clinic as King Charles III is admitted for prostate treatment at the same hospital where Princess Catherine underwent surgery. (Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“King Charles's candor about his cancer, [in particular,] “He took many by surprise when he revealed his condition so publicly,” royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital.
“His mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, was stoic until the end, but never spoke publicly about any health issues,” he shared. “[It] It was quite obvious that her health was declining, especially to those in the palace who saw her walking around in a wheelchair. I feel that the public has become even closer to the king. [after he spoke out]”.
King Charles III meets patient Huw Stiley during a visit to the Macmillan Cancer Center at University College Hospital on April 30, 2024 in London. (Suzanne Plunkett – WPA Group/Getty Images)
“He has certainly become much closer physically, holding hands with cancer patients in a similar way to the late Princess Diana,” Pelham Turner said. “He seems comfortable, making others feel comfortable too, and conveys a sense of achievement when talking about his planned trips abroad this year and events such as Royal Ascot and Trooping the Colour, where he hopes to ride a horse around the shopping centre. to the event.”
On April 30, the king visited the Macmillan Cancer Center at University College Hospital, where he met with specialist doctors and patients. The cancer center is understood to have not been directly involved with the king's medical care, People magazine reported.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Center on April 30, 2024 in London. This visit raised awareness about the importance of early diagnosis. The visit also marked the king's first day as a new patron of Cancer Research UK. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
In a statement previously obtained by Fox News Digital, the palace announced that the visit “will be the first in a series of external engagements that Her Majesty will undertake in the coming weeks.”
Another upcoming event is scheduled for June, when Charles and Camilla will host the Emperor and Empress of Japan on a state visit.
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“As the first anniversary of the Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world during the joys and challenges of the past year,” the statement concludes.
Members of the Honorable Artillery Company fire a 62-gun royal salute to mark the first anniversary of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla over Tower Bridge in central London, May 6, 2024. (Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images)
The news came after the monarch took a three-month break following his cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales has continued to keep a low profile during her treatment.
A palace spokesperson explained to Fox News Digital that while Charles is well enough to resume his duties, he is still receiving treatment for his cancer.
“His Majesty's treatment program will continue, but doctors are sufficiently satisfied with the progress made so far that the King can now resume a number of public-facing duties. Upcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risk.” for Her Majesty's continued recovery,” the palace said.
King Charles III kisses and hugs his niece Zara Tindall as they attend the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 3, 2024. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“His Majesty is very encouraged to resume some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise,” a spokesperson said.
The palace added that it is “too early to say” how long the king's treatment will be able to continue, “but Her Majesty's medical team is very encouraged by the progress made so far and remains positive about the King's continued recovery.”
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“The king's reign so far is considered a success both by recent poll numbers and by his tremendous reception by the nation,” British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. “This is mainly because he embodies the values that British people admire: dedication to duty and continuity. He has continued to display the work ethic of his mother, the late and beloved Queen Elizabeth II.”
Queen Camilla receives a message of support for Catherine, Princess of Wales, from well-wishers during her visit to the farmers' market on March 27, 2024, in Shrewsbury, England. (Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images)
“The king is famous for being late and even sleeping at his desk,” Fordwich shared. “He's been eager to get back to work. Plus, his connection to the everyday cancer patient has endeared him even more to the public.”
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that the king's recent public appearances have given the public hope for his recovery. And once the princess is ready to take on her public duties, she too will receive the same support.
Kate Middleton and King Charles III's public confessions about their cancer diagnosis have made them more identifiable to the British public, several royal experts told Fox News Digital. (Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
“Many people have praised King Charles' sense of duty in returning to public events,” he said. “Cancer does not discriminate and the King's warmth and down-to-earth talks with other cancer patients at UCLH are not only a leveling experience but have also shown him in a very positive light.”
Charles became king in September 2022 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
