The announcement had the effect of a “bomb” in the United Kingdom, to use the words of the tabloid The Mirror. “The King diagnosed with cancer”, announces more soberly the conservative daily The Daily Telegraphwhile The Spectator (political weekly classified on the right) deplores news “as sad as one could have imagined”.
On Monday February 5, the press release arrived from Buckingham Palace, claiming that King Charles III, 75, is suffering from cancer, diagnosed during recent prostate surgery. Barely a year and a half after his coronation, Charles III, who succeeded the death of his mother Elizabeth II, will have to stay away from public life for an indefinite period, after starting treatment Monday evening.
“During his recent hospitalization for an enlarged prostate, separate examinations led to the identification of a form of cancer,” specifies The Guardian (center-left), quoting the Buckingham Palace press release. The latter does not provide information on the type of cancer the monarch is suffering from, but nevertheless ruled out prostate cancer. “Although he has been forced to postpone his public engagements, he will continue to assume his constitutional role as head of state, including administrative affairs and private meetings,” the daily continues.
Reassure about the state of health of the king
The King “remains very optimistic about his treatment and looks forward to resuming his public functions as soon as possible”, continues the communications service of the King’s official residence. “As always, the palace has been keen to show that it is business as usual, insisting that the monarchy can continue to work and prosper […]. The palace statement certainly gave the impression that the king hoped to be back soon. The Guardian.
Avoid speculation
“In a few hours, the destiny of the royal family changed, and that of the United Kingdom with it,” underlines the Daily Telegraph, which points to the change in times with that of King George VI, the grandfather of Charles III, who had kept his serious health problems a secret before his death in 1952. A way to “avoid speculation”, and ” to increase public understanding and raise awareness for people suffering from cancer,” said The Mirror.
But if the royal family was keen to communicate on the state of health of King Charles III, it remains discreet about the diagnosis. “Those around him will find themselves in an uncomfortable position,” emphasizes The Spectator. “Giving too little information to the public will fuel rumors uncontrollably. Giving too much information runs the risk of violating the king’s right to privacy, as well as causing public concern.”
The tabloids were also quick to analyze the various reactions of members of the Windsor family. Royal biographer Christopher Wilson highlights in the Daily Telegraph the role that Queen Camilla, “the love of his life”, “his rock”, should play in helping him get through this ordeal.
While others wonder how the King’s illness could force Prince Harry to reconnect with his family: “Royal experts say this news could finally allow Harry to put aside his four-year rift and to the royal family to stick together during this difficult time”, comments The Sun.