King Charles has been living with cancer for several years now, and though recent reports about his illness have been favorable, the truth remains that he’s fighting a deadly disease in his 70s. With that said, the news that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their two kids are moving to the UK has led some to speculate that perhaps Charles isn’t doing that well—and that’s why Harry’s eager to be closer.
Now, RadarOnline is reporting that Queen Camilla had been “sworn to silence” over his diagnosis in the days before the Palace announced the King’s illness in 2024. The outlet added that keeping the secret was an enormous strain on Camilla.
“Camilla had effectively been sworn to silence,” a royal source told the outlet. “She was carrying this enormous private worry while standing in rooms filled with people confronting cancer themselves. There were moments when she desperately wanted to explain why their stories were affecting her so profoundly, but she knew the King’s diagnosis was not hers to reveal.”
Talking about the subject in a film about the 30th anniversary of Maggie’s cancer support center at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, Camilla said, “Nobody could say anything at the time. That was quite difficult. I almost said something but, you know, I felt that it wasn’t the time to say. [I] looked at everybody who was suffering and all the relations, and I think it made me realise even more how important these places were.”
“She suddenly understood those families from an intensely personal perspective,” another insider claimed. “She wanted to talk about Charles and acknowledge that she was experiencing some of the same fear and uncertainty, but secrecy surrounding his health had to be maintained until the announcement.”
The Queen also said of Charles’ response to his illness, “Nothing stopped him. He just said, ‘This is my way I’m going to cope with it.’”
However, the same outlet reported that some things have indeed changed since the diagnosis, including the King’s travel demands. Charles reportedly takes his orthopedic bed, personal toilet seat, preferred whiskey, and food when staying away from royal residences.
“Charles has always been incredibly particular about his environment, but there is a feeling these requirements have become even more important while he is receiving treatment. Familiarity, comfort and routine matter enormously when his schedule remains demanding, so staff want everything arranged precisely before he arrives.”
“What might look excessive and a habit that is ‘getting worse’ from the outside is regarded within his household as part of keeping the King comfortable and able to work while he contends with his health situation,” sources explained.
“His treatment simply means there is even less appetite for unnecessary disruption, and consequently the preparations surrounding trips can be more exacting than ever.”
King Charles has not disclosed what type of cancer he has, only that his treatment has continued even while he maintains his royal duties.