King Charles has been more reliant on his doctors than ever this year following his cancer diagnosis in February.
The King continues to undergo cancer treatment but took a brief break when he flew to Australia and Samoa for his 10-day Royal Tour in October.
After his return to the UK a few weeks ago, the 75-year-old monarch resumed his cancer treatment and appeared to be in good form when hosting and attending royal events.
Buckingham Palace doctor Michael Dixon, 72, is in charge of the monarch’s treatment, having been appointed head of the Royal Medical Household in late 2022.
The King is understood to enjoy a close relationship with his doctor and this summer he made Dr Dixon a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). The honour was given by the King for the doctor’s personal service to the monarch and the Royal Family.
However, Dr Dixon was seen as a controversial hire as a result of his “unconventional” views on homoeopathy, which involves giving patients highly diluted substances that cause similar symptoms to the illness, which some practitioners believe can help the body heal itself.
The Devon-based doctor also reportedly supports complementary medicines and treatments, which have also been met with some hostility by members of the public despite being supported by the monarch.
In a 2022 speech to the Integrated Health Convention, he said: “Today my own armamentarium includes a mix of acupressure and massage, breathing techniques, self-hypnosis, mind/body therapies, a range of herbs, diets and an increasing interest in healthy eating.
“This has turned my professional life from grey into colour and learning these techniques and frequently referring to far more qualified therapists, I have witnessed the beneficial effects in so many patients.”
While some people may not be a fan of his approaches to alternative medicine, which he uses alongside traditional treatments, it appears King Charles is a huge admirer of the doctor and his work, often sharing the same views.
The King once spoke publicly about Dr Dixon and said: “I dread to think how long it is since I’ve know [Michael], but I have nothing but the greatest admiration for everything he has managed to do over all these years and the success he’s achieved through his constant travelling up and down from Devon in the train.”
When Buckingham Palace confirmed Dr Dixon’s appointment last December, just before the King’s cancer diagnosis, it also justified the doctor’s treatment approaches in a statement.
The statement read: “Dr Dixon does not believe homoeopathy can cure cancer. His position is that complementary therapies can sit alongside conventional treatments, provided they are safe, appropriate and evidence-based.
“As Prince of Wales, The King’s position on complementary therapies, integrated health and patient choice was well documented. In his own words, ‘Nor is it about rejecting conventional medicines in favour of other treatments: the term complementary medicine means precisely what it says’.”
