Kate Middleton and Prince William's 'relief' over King Charles return
The news that King Charles is returning to public-facing official duties in the near future will not only be a boost for him and Queen Camilla, but also for other key senior royals such as The Prince and Princess of Wales.
After an emotionally challenging few months which has seen the number of working members of the family stretched thinly, a top royal commentator has reflected on why this uplifting news will also be a relief for Prince William and Kate.
"This news will be a great relief for William to have his father not only back in health, but also in action – relieving some of the pressure on the Prince to be out and about when he has his own young family and wife to take care of," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK!
Jennie adds: “As for Kate, The King’s news will come as a huge relief. Not only because she has great affection for her father-in-law, but because it relieves the pressure on her and on William.
"With the King back in action, albeit not a full diary, she can feel more relaxed about a protracted absence from the public arena, and William can feel less anxious about taking time off when he needs to be with his wife and family."
“It has been an incredibly tough few months for the King and Queen and the spectre of cancer will undoubtedly hang over them for the foreseeable future," Jennie adds.
"Hopefully the sun will soon be shining and the royal season will get underway with the Chelsea Flower Show, Trooping the Colour, Royal Ascot and many other engagements with the King in attendance at as many as possible."
To mark the news, the King and Queen released a specially commissioned photograph which was taken by Millie Pilkington the day after their 19th wedding anniversary on April 10.
In an image which mirrors the warmth of the images taken on Charles and Camilla’s wedding day as they left their religious blessing at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, the pair are shown smiling warmly - Charles gazing side-on at his wife - as they walk arm in arm along a path with colourful flowers in the background.
“Isn’t it just the most lovely picture?” Jennie cheers. “So natural, so full of love and companionship. I think Camilla’s face shows just how relieved she is that her man is dealing with the treatment so well.
"She looks so supportive - even protective - and her love for him shines through. I think she has been a strong partner in this crisis, fronting so many events, keeping the royal roadshow rolling so publicly. And that has undoubtedly further deepened their love… and Charles’s admiration and love for his lady wife.”
It has been a testing few months for King Charles. In January Buckingham Palace announced he was set to attend hospital for treatment for an enlarged prostate the following week. He was admitted to the London Clinic later that month where he stayed for three nights, postponing all public engagements to allow for recuperation.
But on February 6 Palace officials gave the news that the monarch had been diagnosed with a form of cancer discovered during that stay. To date, the type of cancer has not been revealed, but Charles immediately started ‘regular treatments’. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday when he attended a church service with Queen Camilla and other members of the family.
And while, as a 75 year old man he realises his health must come first there is no doubt he will have been champing at the bit to get back to work. Although he has continued to carry out some Privy Council duties as well as hold weekly audiences with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak there can be little doubt that his period of enforced rest will have left him frustrated.
After all, meeting members of the public is one of the main facets to royal duty and will be something the King will have missed. With the Trooping the Colour scheduled for June 15, Garter Day in Windsor just days later and Royal Ascot set for the following week, it looks set to be a potentially busy time for the monarch.
