Britain’s King Charles III has appeared in public alongside the Princess of Wales at a small Scottish church as both come to terms with their cancer diagnosis. It is the first joint public appearance for the two Royals in months, but reports indicate that they have privately grown closer thanks to their shared health challenges. Both the King and Princess revealed their diagnoses within weeks of each other, stunning the British public.
The Princess of Wales, who is married to the King’s son and heir, Prince William, announced in March that she had cancer and would undergo chemotherapy. The news came after weeks of speculation about her failure to appear in public, with some online conspiracy theorists suggesting she had either left the Prince or even died. In June, she issued a statement to update the public about her condition and thanked the British people for their support and encouraging messages. “It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times,” she said.
The King gave a similar update in July when he resumed public duties after several weeks of focusing on his health. Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February, but an official statement from Buckingham Palace did not confirm where the cancer was located or its severity.
Royal insiders say the King and Princess have grown increasingly close and that the Monarch considers Kate “the daughter he never had.” Charles and Kate have always had a good relationship, observers say, but the shared experience of treatment in the same hospital at the same time has cemented their bond. “When they were in hospital together there was a lot of toddling down the corridor to spend time with her,” one insider claimed. Both Royals received treatment at London’s exclusive Harley Street clinic, the London Clinic, and met regularly, including sharing meals and laughing over their shared sense of humor.
Additionally, the King’s son, Prince William, has reportedly grown closer to his stepmother, Camilla, as they bond over their shared challenges.
