It’s been over a year since King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer – and though he’s recovering, Queen Camilla has said there’s a ‘problem’.
Camilla said Charles is ‘driven’ by helping others and indicated his cancer journey was one of ‘recovery’.
She said: ‘I think he loves his work and it keeps him going. And I think it’s wonderful, you know, if you’ve been ill and you are recovering, you’re getting better and now he wants to do more and more and more.
‘That’s the problem,’ she laughed.
Even Buckingham Palace have said those who work with the King have tried to adapt his busy work schedule as he continues treatment, but he is ‘determined’ to keep up with his duties.
The couple recently returned from a state visit to Italy, which featured a string of engagements over three full days.
The visit was described as ‘soft power at its best’ delivering ‘huge benefit for UK interests overseas’, according to a palace official.
The King, who is known for being a hard worker, is said to have thrived on carrying out public and state duties in recent months, seeing them as being of great benefit to his overall wellbeing.
Despite the health ‘bump’ which saw Charles spend a brief period in hospital following temporary side effects from cancer treatment, his positive response to the care he is receiving has meant doctors are content for the King to maintain a busy schedule.
Asked if there would be any adaptations to the King’s programme given suggestions he may be pushing himself too far, the palace official replied: ‘We’ve all tried!
‘But as people will have seen, the King enjoys his work, he enjoys engaging with as many people as possible.
‘He has a voracious appetite for reading – and because he reads a lot he learns a lot. And in this role, as when Prince of Wales, he knows he is fortunate to be in a position to make a difference, and is determined to do just that.
‘As we are seeing, since this reign began two-and-a-half years ago, he’s achieving that in very many different ways.’
The King and Queen celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in Rome at a glamorous state banquet, hosted by Italy’s president, while on the state visit.
On the evening of their anniversary, the royals were guests of honour at the banquet, hosted by President Sergio Mattarella, at the Quirinale, a former Italian palace.
The visit came just weeks after the King, 76, experienced side effects from his cancer treatment and was taken to hospital for ‘a short period of observation’.
The King and Queen were also set to visit Pope Francis in the Vatican, but had to postpone the trip as he is still recovering from a battle with pneumonia.
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