King Charles is “still very much in charge” despite his cancer diagnosis earlier this month, a body language expert has said.
The 75-year-old is currently undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, with the Palace having confirmed the news on February 5.
Despite currently taking some time away from public-facing duties, the monarch held his first face-to-face meeting with Rishi Sunak since his cancer diagnosis on Wednesday.
Speaking to the Mirror, body language expert Judi James claimed that the King is still “seen as eager” to undertake some duties as and when he is able to – and pinpointed three key details that exemplify this.
She said: “The long, firm handshake with his PM plus the way he lowered himself into his chair with perfect balance and both hands on his knees rather than steadying himself on the arms of the chair suggested the King is keen to be seen as eager and able to continue with his duties since his cancer diagnosis, while his active gesticulation as he sat and chatted to Rishi suggested a man still very much in charge.”
During the meeting, the King also confessed that he was reduced “to tears” after seeing the amount of well-wishes from the public.
The meeting, which took place in the Audience Room at Buckingham Palace, marked the restart of the King and the Prime Minister’s weekly meetings, all of which are held to disuss matters of the Government. Speaking of the British public, Mr Sunak told the monarch that the “country is all behind you” and that “it’s wonderful to see you looking so well”.
Speaking on Wednesday, a senior palace source said: “It’s very much a case of business as usual for the King. His Majesty is continuing with private business in parallel with his regular treatment in as normal a way as possible.
“He is certainly keen to be seen and reassure people that he is doing well and the mood music is very much a case of ‘Keep King and Carry On’.”
