King 'annoyed and frustrated' but one thing makes him 'happiest man alive'
One year ago on 6 May, 2023 King Charles was crowned in a glittering and spectacular ceremony at Westminster Abbey alongside Queen Camilla.
While the year that has followed has thrown up a series of challenges with cancer diagnoses for both the monarch and the Princess of Wales, there is much to celebrate on the one year anniversary as doctors have expressed their optimism about the King getting back to work.
As for how today may be marked, a leading royal expert has opened up on how King Charles may feel and the one thing that has kept him afloat during these difficult few months.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: "We are told he spent the weekend at Highgrove gardening and reflecting. And gardening is a wonderful way to ponder on life and all it brings.
"Obviously the King is annoyed and frustrated by the way his cancer diagnosis has stopped him in his tracks. But this is the time of year when the garden springs into life and colour; there is new growth all around and, with that, comes new hope.
"His doctors are pleased with his progress and, although he must be so worried about his beloved daughter-in-law, Catherine, he can relax knowing that she is at last getting the peace and privacy she requested."
Reflecting on the predictions that the new reign would be unpopular and that the King would live up to the reputation he had during his time as the Prince of Wales as a 'meddler', Jennie expresses her relief that this didn't happen.
"There had been predictions that the change of reign would bring upset and turmoil. It didn’t happen," she says. "The King can look back today on a transition smoother than anyone could have hoped, and polling figures that show most people think he’s doing a good job and that the country is better with a monarchy.
"I think he will also reflect on how his Queen, who was crowned alongside him a year ago, has done a remarkable job in this difficult year and has won the admiration of many. Now THAT will make Charles the happiest man alive!"
It was confirmed that King Charles would be making his highly anticipated return to public duties by Buckingham Palace in a statement. It was said that engagements will be "adapted where necessary" for the King, whose medical time are "very encouraged" by his progress.
A Buckingham Palace representative said: “His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.
“Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery. The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”
