Richard Fitzwilliams. “The announcement was decided last week, but they wanted to inform Prince Harry first.”

Prince Harry will travel to the UK “in the next few days” to visit his father. On Monday, February 5, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III was suffering from “cancer”. According to a Buckingham Palace press release, it was during the monarch’s recent hospitalization for benign prostatic hypertrophy that “another cause for concern was noted.” “Subsequent tests revealed a type of cancer,” the document states. Her Majesty today began a regular program of treatment during which her doctors have advised her to postpone her public engagements.”

The palace clarifies that the sovereign continues to manage state affairs. “The King is grateful to his medical team for the quick intervention made possible by the recent hospitalization,” the text states. He is fully positive about his treatment and expects to fully fulfill his public obligations as soon as possible.” Before proceeding. “His Majesty has decided to share his diagnosis to avoid any speculation and in the hope that it may contribute to the public’s understanding of all those around the world who suffer from cancer.” The nature of the latter is not specified, but it is not related to the small operation he underwent last week. The announcement, which caused a “great shock” among the British, says the royal correspondent Richard Fitzwilliams.

Madame Figaro. – Why did Buckingham Palace choose this moment to announce that Charles III has cancer?
Richard Fitzwilliams. – This announcement was made last week. But I think the palace first wanted to contact Prince Harry to inform him of this news. Cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of people. And the palace is trying to be more open about these kinds of topics than before. If the Princess of Wales, who was recently hospitalized, wanted to keep her health a secret, the king, when he spoke publicly about his prostate problems, realized that being transparent could resonate with millions.

What will happen in the coming weeks? Who will take over in Charles III’s absence?
Although the palace emphasized that the king will remain in charge of state affairs, Charles III will not be an active member of the royal family for some time. He will be able to count on the help of Queen Camilla and Prince William, who will also ensure the official engagement very soon, on February 7. But it will essentially depend on the latter, the Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh, replacing him. As for Prince Harry, this situation could be an opportunity for him to reconcile with his father, although we would very much like that to happen under different circumstances. Of course, the Duke of Sussex and Prince Andrew will not be taking on any royal engagements.

Do you think Buckingham Palace will keep the public informed of the progress of Charles III’s illness?
Since his coronation, Charles III has said that his job is to serve his country. What he wants to do is help as many people as possible by being as transparent as possible. If he can, he will talk openly about his health. This, of course, will depend on the progress of his disease. The fact that he has cancer is deeply worrying. If she can no longer take care of state affairs, the procedure stipulates that four people can take over: Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne.

What reaction can we expect from Prince William? What does this news mean for him?
Prince William, however, planned to resume official engagements. He did not provide anything while the woman was in the hospital, or even in the short period after her hospitalization. But he has now left the London clinic. Of course, Kate Middleton wanted them to put their family first, but she also wanted them to fulfill their official duties. There will be fewer Windsors available in the coming weeks; therefore they will provide fewer formal commitments.

Some say the speed with which Prince Harry intends to arrive at his father’s bedside shows how serious Charles III’s condition is. What do you think ?
First, we don’t know how serious Charles III’s cancer was. Then, it’s only natural that a son wants to be close to his father when he’s diagnosed with cancer. I wouldn’t interpret this as any sign at this point. We all know that Prince Harry is at odds with the royal family, but it’s understandable that he would want to go to the king’s bedside.

How do you think Queen Camilla will react?
He will have but one work to do, and that is the work for which he is gifted; to continue his official duties, and continuously support Charles III. He and the king will work hand in hand.

How did the British react to the news of Charles III’s cancer?
In the morning the press will really react because it’s only been a few hours since we heard the news. This will be a great shock to the nation, knowing that the king, who is a hard worker, wanted to serve his country all his life. The British will wish him a speedy recovery and be able to quickly return to his official duties.