Buckingham Palace announced on Monday evening that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will start treatment right away, leaving him unable to carry out royal duties for some time.
In a statement the Palace said: “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
Earlier on Tuesday morning the King’s niece Princess Beatrice was spotted going to visit him at Clarence House with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
As a Counsellor of State she can theoretically be called to act on behalf of His Majesty when he is unable to do so, even though she is not technically a working royal.
Statue dictactes that the Counsellors of State are the spouse of the monarch and the next four adults over the age of 21 in line to the throne, which would include Beatrice but not her younger sister Princess Eugenie.
Altogether this includes Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice, however due to Harry and Andrew stepping down as working royals some adjustments have had to be made.
In 2022 Princess Anne and Prince Edward were added to the list, with Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh also earning their places as senior royals over the years they have been married into the family. But the two royal women are not counsellors of state.
The law change also stated that only working royals could act as counsellors of state, meaning it is highly unlikely that Harry, Andrew or Beatrice will be called upon.
However the Princess of Wales is also indisposed due to her health, as she recovers at home in Windsor following a major operation on her abdomen.
It is not known exactly what Kate is suffering from, but Kensington Palace confirmed it is not related to cancer and that she will be out of action until Easter at the earliest.
Prince William has also taken time off to look after her and their three children, but he and Queen Camilla are now leading the way with representing the Firm.
