Queen Camilla will be the King’s ‘rock’ while he undergoes treatment for cancer, royal experts have said.
Charles, 75, postponed all his public duties and spent last night in London as he begins his medical care under the close supervision of his specialist team of doctors following the shock diagnosis.
The Prince of Wales, 41, who is already supporting his wife Kate following her abdominal surgery last month, is expected to step up and carry out some duties on behalf of his father.
Buckingham Palace has said the Queen will also continue with a full programme of public duties as she maintains her steadfast support of the King, having visited him every day during his stay in hospital for prostate treatment.
Speaking to Metro, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said of Charles: ‘He is very, very fortunate he has his soulmate the Queen, because the two are so close and also work so well together as we know.
‘That’s absolutely pivotal at a time like this.’
He said the Royal Family will remain steady despite this latest in a line of major health scares, which have included Kate’s long hospital stay and the Duchess of York’s own cancer diagnosis.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: ‘This isn’t something anyone could have conceivably anticipated. Royal planning requires, especially when you are doing engagements and trips and so forth, pre-planning.
‘But in a crisis you adapt.’
Charles – a known workaholic – will carry on behind the scenes dealing with his famous red boxes – which contain his state business and official papers.
The King will also hold his weekly audience with the PM and monthly Privy Council meetings, which can both be done remotely.
But expected trips to Canada in May, and Australia, New Zealand and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October ‘will be looked at again and handled in a different way’.
Mr Fitzwilliams echoed Princess Anne’s observation that ‘the idea of a slimmed down Royal Family was never one that was practical’, with only a select few under 70.
However, he suggested the number of engagements may simply be reduced with William and Camilla stepping up.
‘The Queen will do more, I think,’ Mr Fitzwilliams said. ‘She will be his rock during this very difficult time.’
The Duke of Sussex is also flying to London to be with his father after his shock diagnosis.
But while Harry is not expected to take up any royal duties, Mr Fitzwilliams observed it may serve as an opportunity for his relationship with his family to ‘get closer’ and for ‘bridges to be built’.
‘We must hope that this opportunity, when families have to cope with both crises – there is a deep rift in the royal family, we all know that – but also issues dealing with health, that can mean, and must mean, that a family pulls together,’ he added.
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