By disclosing his cancer, Charles breaks centuries of royal tradition. But he shares only so much
The palace’s disclosure that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer shattered centuries of British history and tradition
LONDON (AP) — In British history, the secrecy of the monarch's health has always reigned supreme. The palace's disclosure that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer shattered that longstanding tradition.
On the heels of the shock and well-wishing that followed the official statement Monday came the surprise that the palace had announced anything at all. Indeed, the unprecedented missive was sparse on details: Charles, 75, had begun treatment for a cancer it did not name after being diagnosed during a recent corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate. The king is stepping back from public duties but carrying on state business during his treatment, which he'll receive as an outpatient, the palace said.
“The King has cancer,” the Times of London declared in a terse banner headline Tuesday. It was unlike any other in British history.
Never complain, never explain, as Charles' late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was known to say. Charles has withheld details of his illness and treatment, and in that way is carrying on her approach. But in beaming a sliver of light from inside the palace walls and his own life, Charles has broken with his mother and royal tradition.
