View gallery
King Charles III subtly denied an unfounded rumor about funeral arrangements. Hours after a report emerged about the royal’s health, the 75-year-old monarch announced his return to public engagements amid his battle with cancer.
“His Majesty the King will soon return to public duties following a period of treatment and recovery following his recent cancer diagnosis,” read a statement on Charles’ Instagram account on Friday, April 26. “To celebrate this milestone, the King and Queen will visit a cancer treatment center together next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients.”
The announcement noted that the upcoming visit to cancer patients “will be the first in a series of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the coming weeks.”
“In addition, at the request of the British Government, the King and Queen will host Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan on a state visit in June,” the King added in the statement. “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 throughout the joys and challenges of the past year.”
The royal family’s update was released just a few hours later Daily Beast reported that Charles’ health was “not good” and that the palace was making changes to his funeral arrangements.
“When speaking to friends of the King in recent weeks about his health, the most common response is… ‘It’s not good,'” the report said, before adding that Charles “is determined to strike.” [the cancer]and they throw everything at it.”
The report added: “Everyone remains optimistic but he is doing very poorly indeed. More than they admit.”
Last month, a false report by Russian state news agency TASS appeared claiming that Charles had died “unexpectedly.” Buckingham Palace responded immediately on March 18, saying: “We are pleased to confirm that the King is continuing his official and private business.”
In January, Charles underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. He was subsequently diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer, Buckingham Palace said in a statement in February.
“During King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, another point of concern was highlighted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace’s public statement said at the time. “His Majesty began a regular treatment schedule today, with doctors advising him to postpone public duties. During this period, His Majesty will continue to conduct state business and official formalities as usual.”