The King is now facing cancer treatment after it was uncovered while in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate.
According to Buckingham Palace, King Charles decided to ‘share his illness to prevent conjecture and in the hope it may aid public understanding for all those throughout the world who are stricken by cancer’.
Prominent experts applauded this choice, stating that it will inspire people to get treatment for any possible cancer symptoms.
King Charles is now one of the 1,000 Brits who are told each day they have the disease, but experts say his brave decision to share his diagnosis with the world will likely reap benefits for public health.
The King can give the Prince of Wales the authority to rule as king without having to abdicate during a regency.
It does not imply that Prince William would succeed Charles as king or head of state. However, William would have the authority to carry out royal duties in Charles’ honour and on his behalf.
According to the Regency Act 1937, if the monarch is deemed ‘by reason of infirmity of mind or body’ incapable of performing royal functions, or if there is ‘evidence that the Sovereign is for some definite cause not available for the performance of those functions,’ then a regent will assume the monarch’s duties.
This must be declared in writing by three or more of the following: the sovereign’s wife, the Queen; the Lord Chancellor; the Speaker of the House of Commons; the Lady Chief Justice; and the Master of the Rolls. Charles has no say and does not need to agree with their decision.
With the King being treated for cancer, the sovereign’s ill health has raised questions about whether there could be a need for a regency in the future.
If Charles was incapacitated, the Prince of Wales could be appointed Prince Regent through the Regency Act 1937, taking over the King’s duties.
The King’s illness was “caught early,” according to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who also hinted that a regency was unlikely at this point.
If needed, it would be the first time in more than 200 years that the British monarchy has required a regency, with the last Prince Regent being the future George IV (as depicted in a painting below).
Data released indicated that even in cases where a person has received a cancer diagnosis, cancer targets continue to be overlooked.
I do hope that King Charles does make a full recovery, but let’s spare a thought for all those men who are currently waiting for treatment.
Having any kind of cancer can be devastating and can affect a person’s health, mentally, emotionally and physically.
Thankfully, the King’s cancer has a decent survival rate when compared to other cancer kinds, especially if it is detected early.
The King may appear haggard to some, and it’s likely true that he is, but it’s more likely the product of stress and natural ageing than cancer. Hopefully, the King will bounce back fast from his treatment.
It would seem a tad unfair, if, after waiting so long to be crowned it was all cut short.
It’s time for us to move on and leave the Royal Family alone.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 