London
CNN —
Over the past 24 hours, news that two of the most senior royals are being forced out of the public eye due to health issues has caused concern in Britain.
Next week, King Charles will have surgery to treat an enlarged prostate; in the meantime, his daughter-in-law, Catherine, is still in the hospital after a successful abdominal procedure. In order to help his wife, William will also step back from his responsibilities.
On Thursday, the announcements took center stage in UK newspapers, with headlines like “Let’s pray that they’re both OK” leading the Daily Mail and “Royals rocked by Kate op” emblazoned on the Sun’s home page.
The 75-year-old British monarch was expected in Scotland at his Dumfries House for a number of engagements in the coming days when the announcement was made on Wednesday, a royal source disclosed.
The doctors of the king seem to have advised the postponement of those events. The source claims that the palace released a brief statement because it didn’t want to force visitors—including foreign dignitaries and cabinet members—to travel when they didn’t have to.
The Windsor family’s precise medical conditions are generally not disclosed by the palace. The aides think the family has the same right to patient confidentiality as everyone else, so it’s not like they’re being shady and dishonest. Additionally, the palace has an obligation to notify the public when they are entering or leaving the hospital.
But in this particular case, the palace stressed in its succinct statement that Charles’s ailment is “common with thousands of men each year.” Furthermore, a royal insider informed us that the king was eager to disclose his diagnosis in the hopes that it would inspire other men to visit their doctors.
Naturally, some people have questioned what will happen to the king while he is away from the scene. According to a royal source, there won’t be a need for any Counselors of State—senior royals who can fill in for Charles—next week.
In Charles’ absence, Princes William, Harry, Andrew, Edward, and Princess Anne can currently carry out his responsibilities.
Ninety minutes earlier, Kensington Palace had separately announced Catherine’s extended hospital stay, so news of Charles’ treatment came as a shock to many.
