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King Charles returns to public duties for the first time since diagnosis

<p>King Charles has made his first official public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer in February. </p> <p>In a symbolic appearance on Tuesday morning, the royal visited the Macmillan Cancer Centre at the University College Hospital donning a navy pinstripe suit with a light blue shirt and a pink dinosaur tie.</p> <p>The monarch was joined by his wife, Queen Camilla, with the couple sporting huge smiles as they waved to the crowd outside of the London hospital. </p> <p>The royal couple met with clinicians, patients and families of patients during the visit, and when asked by one patient how his treatment was going, Charles replied: "I'm alright, thank you".</p> <p>In one photo Charles can be seen tenderly placing his hand on the arms of a patient as he spoke with them. </p> <p>One patient discussed her chemotherapy with Charles, who who told her: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well,” according to the <em>Mirror</em>.</p> <p>He also shared his reaction to finding out about his diagnosis for the first time, telling one patient: “It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?”</p> <p>The King's hospital visit comes just days after the Palace released a statement confirming that he was showing progress with his treatment and would be resuming official duties. </p> <p>“His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis,”  it read, before announcing the visit to the cancer centre. </p> <p>“This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.”</p> <p>Despite this, his upcoming summer schedule would not be a full one, with events like the King's Birthday parade, known as Trooping the Colour, and the Royal Ascot, being undertaken on a case-by-case basis. </p> <p>He also plans to host the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June. </p> <p>“As the first anniversary of the Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year,” the statement concluded. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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First official portrait of King Frederik and Queen Mary released

<p>King Frederik X and Queen Mary were the picture of elegance as they posed for their first official gala portrait since ascending the Danish throne in January. </p> <p>The portrait, which was taken by photographer Steen Evald at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, was released by The Royal House of Denmark, and will be hung in various state institutions, including at Danish embassies around the world.</p> <p>"In connection with the succession of the throne on 14 January 2024, the first official gala portrait of Their Majesties The King and Queen is now published," the Danish royal household shared on Instagram. </p> <p>"The King and The Queen have thus had their portrait made at the historic palace in Copenhagen where successive kings and queens have stayed over time."</p> <p>The royal couple were pictured wearing the the Order of the Elephant on chains, which is Denmark’s oldest and most distinguished royal order of chivalry. </p> <p>Queen Mary was also seen wearing the crown jewels for the first time, which included an emerald tiara, necklace, earrings and a brooch that matched her beautiful green gown. </p> <p>The jewels are usually on display in The Treasury at Rosenburg Castle. </p> <p>The Australian-born Queen also wore a small portrait of King Frederik, in line with Danish tradition. </p> <p>Frederik and Mary ascended to the throne in January 14 2024 when Queen Margrethe II announced her abdication after 52 years as monarch. </p> <p>The couple have four children together Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabelle and twins, Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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King Charles makes historic change to Balmoral

<p>King Charles has made a historic change to Balmoral for the first time ever, allowing the public for an exclusive look inside the royal residence. </p> <p>Later this year, the King will allow public tours of the Scottish castle, with small group tours available to be led by expert royal guides. </p> <p>Those being shown around the royal residence will get a unique glimpse in several rooms used by the King and Queen.</p> <p>A source close to the royal family said the initiative was in line with the King's wish to make royal residences more accessible to the public.</p> <p>It also reflects Charles' comments made after Queen Elizabeth's death, that the house had been earmarked as a place for the public to remember her.</p> <p>While Balmoral holds a lot of historical importance, the Scottish residence is not set up to handle a large influx of tourists. </p> <p>As a result, a month-long tour programme to begin in July will serve as a trial period to see how the castle and staff copes with increased footfall.</p> <p>Until now, the interior of the vast castle has largely remained out of bounds to members of the public, with tours limited to just the ballroom, the grounds and the gardens.</p> <p>The Balmoral estate announced the tours on Tuesday on its <a href="https://www.balmoralcastle.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>, stating, "For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides."</p> <p>"They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle. You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family."</p> <p>"You will see why Balmoral is such a special place - the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal family."</p> <p>Only forty tickets each day will be sold for the "castle interior tour" for £100 ($193 AUD), or £150 ($289 AUD) if afternoon tea is included.</p> <p>The tours will take place from July 1st until August 4th, before the King and Queen arrive for their annual break.</p> <p>The season begins later this year due to the refurbishment of the restaurant but if successful, the opening hours will likely be extended in the future.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

International Travel

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Hilarious moment King's Guard demands pigeons move from Buckingham Palace

<p>The King's Guard have left royal fans in stitches after a hilarious interaction between two guards and two pesky pigeons has gone viral.</p> <p>The exchange took place outside Buckingham Palace, as the Guards marched out of the gates with a briefcase in hand, holding their signature stern looks. </p> <p>As the Guards progressed, a pair of pigeons stopped in front of them on the pavement, prompting the Guards to bellow "make way" at the birds. </p> <p>Their booming voices startled the birds as they flew away, as the Guards continued down the pavement. </p> <p>The unusual interaction was captured on video and posted to TikTok, where it gained thousands of likes and comments, with many remarking how hilarious it was. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5BwYdaIxPS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5BwYdaIxPS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by about.london (@about.ldn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Many were quick to comment on the hilarity of dutiful soldiers yelling at birds with such authority, while another person commented, "How do pigeons behave better than tourists? Incredible."</p> <p>Despite many considering them tourist attractions, the King's Guard consist of elite serving soldiers who are tasked with protecting the monarch's life and properties. </p> <p>The King's Guard are generally not allowed to interact with the public, and have been known to be very vocally aggressive if they get too close or present their bayonets if they become persistent. </p> <p>The soldiers must not let anything distract them from their duties - with toilet breaks banned during two hour shifts - and will march through anyone, or apparently any bird, that gets in their way. </p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

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Princess of Wales and King Charles: one in two people develop cancer during their lives – the diseases and treatments explained

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gavin-metcalf-1340598">Gavin Metcalf</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/anglia-ruskin-university-1887">Anglia Ruskin University</a></em></p> <p>The Princess of Wales released a <a href="https://x.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1771235267837321694?s=20">moving video message</a> on March 22 to address speculation about her health. In it, the future queen disclosed that she’d been <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68641710">diagnosed with cancer</a> following tests conducted after she underwent major abdominal surgery at a clinic in London in January.</p> <p>Catherine explained that she was undergoing “preventative chemotherapy” – but emphasised that her surgery had been successful, and that she was “well” and “getting stronger every day”.</p> <p>The message was the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/22/princess-kate-cancer-royal-family-health-annus-horribilis">second announcement</a> of a royal family cancer diagnosis in recent weeks. On February 5, Buckingham Palace <a href="https://www.royal.uk/a-statement-from-buckingham-palace-5Feb24">published a statement</a> that King Charles III had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68208157">cancer, unrelated</a> to the treatment he had been receiving for an enlarged prostate.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3xzKooCaRXU?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>The statement said that he had begun “regular treatments”. The king postponed all public-facing duties during his treatment, but <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68213383">reportedly continued</a> with his “constitutional role as head of state, including completing paperwork and holding private meetings”.</p> <p>Cancer is the <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer">leading cause of death</a> worldwide. <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/#:%7E:text=The%20cancerous%20cells%20can%20invade,of%20cancer%20during%20their%20lifetime.">One in two</a> people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime – so the condition will affect almost every family. However, many cancers can be cured if, as appears to be the case with the king, the condition is <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68213383">detected early</a> and treated effectively.</p> <h2>What is cancer?</h2> <p>Our bodies are made up of more than 100 billion cells, and cancer typically starts with changes in a small group of cells – or even a single one.</p> <p>We have different cell types depending upon where in the body they are and the function that the cell has. The size, amount and function of each of these cells is normally tightly regulated by genes – groups of codes held within our DNA – that instruct cells how to grow and divide.</p> <p>However, changes (mutations) to DNA can alter the way cells grow and multiply – often forming a lump, or solid tumour. Cancers can also develop in blood cells, such as white blood cell cancer which is known as leukaemia. This type of cancer does not form solid tumours; instead, the cancer builds up in the blood or sometimes the marrow in the core of bones, where blood cells are produced.</p> <p>In all, there are <a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/how-cancer-starts/types-of-cancer#:%7E:text=For%20example%2C%20nerves%20and%20muscles,of%20cell%20they%20start%20in.">more than 200</a> types of cancer, but all start with mutations in the DNA contained within each and every cell.</p> <h2>What exactly are mutations?</h2> <p>Think of your DNA as a big recipe book, and your genes as individual recipes for making different dishes. Mutations are smudges or missing words from this recipe that can result in key ingredients not being added into the mix.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8BJ8_5Gyhg8?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Regardless of the type of cancer or the cells from which it develops, mutations in our genes can result in a cell no longer understanding its instructions.</p> <p>These mutations can happen by chance when dividing, but can also be the result of lifestyle choices such as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6141049/">smoking</a>, <a href="https://www.ndph.ox.ac.uk/news/new-genetic-study-confirms-that-alcohol-is-a-direct-cause-of-cancer#:%7E:text=These%20mutations%20both%20disrupt%20the,aldehyde%20dehydrogenase%202%20(ALDH2).">drinking</a>, and <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet">inactivity</a>.</p> <p>Research has found that in order for a normal cell to turn into a cancerous cell, anywhere from <a href="https://www.sanger.ac.uk/news_item/1-10-mutations-are-needed-drive-cancer-scientists-find/">one to ten different mutations</a> are normally required.</p> <h2>How is cancer treated?</h2> <p>Treatment options for cancer depend on a variety of factors, including where your cancer is, how large it is, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The main treatments for cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.</p> <p>Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and kill cells that are rapidly dividing in our bodies. This approach is effective at targeting fast-growing cells in various cancers – but also has negative side effects. It also targets healthy cells that rapidly divide, such as hair and the cells lining our digestive system. This can lead to commonly reported <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chemotherapy/side-effects/">side-effects</a> such as hair loss, nausea and diarrhoea.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw-_mvBhDwARIsAA-Q0Q6tyQxTuBzU7vVD7SHjQ5dF-fRdqnL7S74-k5LXyTqODydsrPfJVsoaAkgyEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Chemotherapy</a> can be used both preventatively – as in the case of the princess – and therapeutically.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FkZn5u3MIiY?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Preventative chemotherapy, also known as <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/adjuvant-therapy">adjuvant chemotherapy</a>, is given after surgery or other primary treatments to eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the body. It aims to reduce the risk of the cancer returning (known as recurrence).</p> <p>Therapeutic chemotherapy is used as a treatment option for cancer that has spread or is well established, such as advanced-stage cancers.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/surgery/about">Surgery</a> involves the physical removal of cancerous tissues as well as nearby lymph nodes – small glands which act as filters in your body that cancers can spread through – to eliminate the tumour. Surgery is often used to remove localised cancers that haven’t spread throughout the body.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/radiotherapy">Radiotherapy</a> uses high-energy radiation beams that are able to target specific areas where tumour cells are located to destroy or shrink the tumour. Radiotherapy can be applied externally or internally.</p> <p>Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy are often combined in cancer treatment to improve outcomes for patients.</p> <p>Thanks to developments in cancer research over the last 50 years, survival rates have improved greatly – although the rate of improvement has <a href="https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/02/02/world-cancer-day-2024/#:%7E:text=Improvements%20in%20cancer%20survival%20have%20slowed%20in%20recent%20years&amp;text=Survival%20increased%20three%20to%20five,consistently%20lags%20behind%20comparable%20countries.">slowed recently</a>. Cancer survival depends on various factors such as age – people under 40 have a <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/age">greater chance</a> of survival – overall health and fitness, as well as family history.</p> <h2>What you should do</h2> <p>Particular changes in your body or warning symptoms could indicate the presence of cancer. These include, but are not limited to:</p> <ul> <li>Unexplained weight loss;</li> <li>Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest;</li> <li>Changes in bowel or bladder habits;</li> <li>Persistent cough or coughing up blood;</li> <li>Difficulty swallowing;</li> <li>Persistent pain;</li> <li>Noticing lumps, such as in a breast or testicle.</li> </ul> <p>The symptoms may not necessarily be the result of cancer. But it is important to get checked by a doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary or have had persistent symptoms that don’t ease. Early detection and treatment can <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.aay9040">significantly improve</a> outcomes for many types of cancer.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226456/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gavin-metcalf-1340598">Gavin Metcalf</a>, Cancer Biologist and Lecturer in Biomedical Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/anglia-ruskin-university-1887">Anglia Ruskin University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/princess-of-wales-and-king-charles-one-in-two-people-develop-cancer-during-their-lives-the-diseases-and-treatments-explained-226456">original article</a>.</em></p>

Caring

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King Charles delivers heartfelt message amidst cancer treatment

<p>In times of adversity, the power of unity and compassion shines through, and this sentiment has never been more evident than in the heartfelt message delivered by King Charles amidst his cancer treatment.</p> <p>As news of his diagnosis spread, an outpouring of support enveloped the King from all corners of the Commonwealth. His gratitude and appreciation for this unwavering kindness were palpable as he addressed the nations in a video message, unable to personally attend the 2024 Commonwealth Day celebrations due to his health.</p> <p>"I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth," he said.</p> <p>"My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been. I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey."</p> <p>The absence of the Princess of Wales, still in recovery from surgery, served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. In such moments, the strength of familial bonds and the support of a caring community become invaluable lifelines.</p> <p>As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, we reflect not only on its historical significance but also on its enduring relevance in today's world. The theme of "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth" resonates deeply as we navigate the challenges of the modern age together.</p> <p>King Charles' words remind us of the interconnectedness of our shared humanity, transcending borders and differences. He likened the Commonwealth to the wiring of a house, where each nation contributes to the collective energy and strength that sustains us all:</p> <p>"As I have said before, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires. Together and individually we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time. This is true both at the level of nations and, indeed, at the local level. We recognise today that our diversity is our greatest strength."</p> <p>In facing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and socioeconomic shifts, the importance of collaboration and cooperation cannot be overstated. King Charles eloquently underscored the power of diversity as our greatest strength, recognising that it is through our varied perspectives and experiences that we find innovative solutions to complex problems.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lR6Z8ss_AW0?si=Gf8lGHmG-xnw9zCP" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><em>Image: Youtube</em></p>

Caring

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"Reduced me to tears": King Charles' candid admission

<p>King Charles has made a candid admission as he returned to his public engagement in over two months as he faces ongoing treatment.  </p> <p>The royal joined a meeting of the Privy Council at Buckingham Palace followed by an audience with the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.</p> <p>Palace sources have said that the two events were a sign of “State business, as usual” <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">since his</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><a style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/palace-reveals-king-charles-serious-health-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shock cancer diagnosis</a><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> over two weeks ago, according to</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The Sun</em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">. </span></p> <p>The monarch, donning a navy pinstripe suit, appeared in good spirits as he shook hands with the UK prime minister and sat down for his first private audience with him since December. </p> <p>“Good evening Your Majesty, very nice to see you," Sunak told the King. </p> <p>“Bit of a gap,” Charles responded.</p> <p>Sunak replied: “A bit, but wonderful to see you looking so well.”</p> <p>The King also showed his playful side as he joked about the check-up process: “well, it’s all done by mirrors," he said and they both laughed. </p> <p>“Well, we are all behind you, the country is behind you," Sunak replied. </p> <p>“I’ve had so many wonderful messages and cards. Reduced me to tears most of the time,” Charles told him.</p> <p>“I can imagine, as I said, everyone is behind you, and it’s been nice to see the spotlight that it’s shone on the work the charities do in this area,” Sunak responded.</p> <p>“I hear there been a lot more interest on those main wonderful cancer charities many of which I’ve been patron for years," Charles added. </p> <p>“They’ve done incredible work up and down the country, nice to be recognised," Sunak replied. </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The King's</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">last public engagement was a trip to the Royal Courts of Justice on December 14th.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">His </span>last in-person engagement was an investiture at Windsor Castle on December 19.</p> <p>On Wednesday he held a Privy Council meeting and swore in new member Michael Tomlinson, Minister of State for Illegal Migration.</p> <p>This week, he’s been in London and Windsor Castle, but he is expected to continue getting cancer treatment at Windsor and Highgrove in the coming weeks. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

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"One people, one family": King Charles breaks silence after cancer diagnosis

<p>Amidst concerns and heartfelt wishes, King Charles III has released a statement following his shocking cancer diagnosis.</p> <p>In his first public comments since beginning his treatment, the monarch, while recuperating at Sandringham, expressed his sincere regrets for not being able to attend a significant upcoming event. His words, filled with warmth and gratitude, were directed towards the people of Grenada, a nation close to his heart.</p> <p>As Grenada celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, King Charles III, although physically absent, sent his love and congratulations, reminiscing about his cherished visit to the Caribbean gem in 2019.</p> <p>“I can only say how sorry I am that I cannot be with you in person to mark this momentous milestone," he wrote. “My thoughts are with everyone across Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique – ‘one people, one family’ – as you celebrate everything you have achieved and all that your future holds. My family join me in sending our heartfelt congratulations to you all.”</p> <p>Despite undergoing treatment, King Charles III's commitment to his duties remains unwavering. Buckingham Palace has reassured the public that while he may step back from public gatherings, he will continue to fulfil his constitutional responsibilities, including regular meetings with the British Prime Minister.</p> <p>The positive update on King Charles III's health was echoed by Queen Camilla, who, during her recent appearance at Salisbury Cathedral, shared encouraging news about her husband's progress. Surrounded by the tranquility of the cathedral, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and well wishes they have received during this challenging time.</p> <p>In a video shared by ITV royal reporter Chris Ship on X, the queen said: "He's doing extremely well under circumstances. We are very touched by all of the letters and messages." </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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What happens if King Charles can no longer perform his duties?

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anne-twomey-6072">Anne Twomey</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>King Charles III’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-06/king-charles-cancer-diagnosis-revealed-by-buckingham-palace/103430320">cancer diagnosis</a> will turn minds to the question of what happens if he becomes unable to fulfil his constitutional duties. Buckingham Palace has announced he will continue performing his official paperwork and his weekly meetings with the prime minister throughout his treatment.<br />But what happens if he becomes seriously ill?</p> <p>There are three options: counsellors of state, regency and abdication.</p> <h2>Counsellors of state</h2> <p>First, King Charles can delegate some or most of his royal functions to <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Edw8and1Geo6/1/16/section/6">counsellors of state</a>, as happens most commonly when he is travelling overseas. Two counsellors of state act jointly in exercising royal powers such as assenting to laws, receiving ambassadors and holding <a href="https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7460/">Privy Council</a> meetings.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.royal.uk/counsellors-of-state">counsellors of state</a> are the spouse of the sovereign and the next four adults in line of succession to the throne – being Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice.</p> <p>However, Prince Harry is excluded while he is outside the United Kingdom, and in practice Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice are not called on to act as they are not “working royals”.</p> <p>As this left only Queen Camilla and Prince William to perform the role, a <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/47/2022-12-07/data.html#:%7E:text=An%20Act%20to%20add%20His,delegated%20as%20Counsellors%20of%20State.">law</a> was passed in the UK in 2022 to <a href="https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/creating-more-counsellors-of-state/">add Princess Anne and Prince Edward</a> to the list.</p> <p>Counsellors of state may carry out most of the sovereign’s functions while he is ill, but they cannot dissolve parliament, except on his instruction, and they cannot create peers. Whether they can appoint a prime minister remains a matter of debate. Most significantly, they cannot exercise powers with respect to the King’s other realms, such as Australia.</p> <h2>Regency</h2> <p>The second option is a regency. This occurs if the King “is by reason of infirmity of mind or body <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Edw8and1Geo6/1/16/section/2">incapable</a> for the time being of performing the royal functions”. The sovereign does not control when or for how long a regency occurs. Instead, it is initiated by a declaration of three or more of: the sovereign’s spouse, the lord chancellor, the speaker of the House of Commons, the lord chief justice of England and the <a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/about-the-judiciary/who-are-the-judiciary/judges/profile-mor/">master of the rolls</a>.</p> <p>The UK’s Regency Act <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Edw8and1Geo6/1/16/section/3">requires</a> Prince William to be regent, as he is the next adult in line of succession to the crown. The regent has the powers of the King with respect to the United Kingdom, but cannot change the order of succession to the crown.</p> <p>The Regency Act does not give the regent powers in relation to realms such as Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand resolved the problem by inserting a <a href="https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0114/latest/DLM94216.html">section</a> into its Constitution Act which provides that whoever is made regent under the law of the UK may perform the royal functions of the sovereign with respect to New Zealand. Australia, however, has done nothing in this regard, so a British regent would have no powers with respect to Australia.</p> <h2>Abdication</h2> <p>The final option for an incapacitated monarch is abdication. This leads to difficult questions about how an abdication would operate in relation to each of the realms.</p> <p>When King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936, it was achieved by both a signed <a href="https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/significant-events/abdication-of-edward-viii-1936/">instrument of abdication</a> and the enactment of <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Edw8and1Geo6/1/3/enacted#:%7E:text=(1)Immediately%20upon%20the%20Royal,and%20there%20shall%20be%20a">legislation</a> to which the various realms, including Australia, assented. This is not possible today, as the UK can <a href="https://www6.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/num_act/aa1986114/s1.html">no longer legislate</a> with respect to Australia.</p> <p>Abdication would therefore raise difficult questions about whether there needed to be a separate abdication of the King of Australia, to trigger the application of the rules of succession that are now part of Australian law, or whether <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/coaca430/s2.html">covering clause 2</a> of the Constitution, which defines the sovereign by reference to Queen Victoria’s “heirs and successors in the sovereignty of the United Kingdom”, would apply.</p> <p>Because of the potential constitutional messiness of dealing with the King’s role in his 14 realms beyond the United Kingdom, it is likely abdication would be avoided.</p> <h2>Consequences for Australia</h2> <p>If King Charles were incapacitated and counsellors of state or a regent were appointed, would this cause any real problem in Australia?</p> <p>The King’s only remaining substantial powers with respect to Australia are the appointment and removal of the governor-general and the state governors. The governor-general’s term is expected to expire in the middle of the year. If King Charles were then seriously ill and unable to appoint a new governor-general, no one could do so, as neither counsellors of state nor a regent could do so.</p> <p>Instead, the current governor-general, David Hurley, could choose to continue in office, as there is no formal termination of his office until he is replaced.</p> <p>Alternatively, he could resign and his office could be filled on a temporary basis by a state governor as <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/coaca430/xx4.html">administrator</a>, as is the usual practice when there is a vacancy in the office. If the office of a state governor becomes vacant, the <a href="https://www.governor.nsw.gov.au/governor/lieutenant-governor/role-of-the-lieutenant-governor/">lieutenant-governor</a>, who is often the chief justice of the state, can exercise the governor’s functions.</p> <p>However, if a regency were to continue for a long time – perhaps years – this could become unsustainable.</p> <p>The other consideration is that if there is a regency, there is no power to <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/in-race-to-palace-governor-general-has-inside-running/news-story/d3918f42af1d081f203daa65f5b53e0f">dismiss a governor-general</a>. So if a constitutional crisis arose, such as that in 1975 with the dismissal of the Whitlam government, the governor-general would know that he or she could act without the prospect of dismissal on the advice of the prime minister. This unbalances the constitutional pressures that are deliberately built into the system, giving a stronger hand to the governor-general and weakening the position of the prime minister.</p> <p>The <a href="https://michaelwest.com.au/king-charles-illness-affects-australia/">problem</a> could be addressed in the same way as the rules of succession to the throne were changed <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2015A00023/asmade/text">in 2015</a> to remove gender discrimination. It would involve each state enacting a law requesting the Commonwealth to enact a law that recognised the authority of a regent to exercise the sovereign’s powers with respect to Australia.</p> <p>While it is not essential to fix this problem, it would still be wise, as a matter of orderly constitutional housekeeping, to address it before any real difficulties arise.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/222870/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anne-twomey-6072"><em>Anne Twomey</em></a><em>, Professor emerita, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-happens-if-king-charles-can-no-longer-perform-his-duties-222870">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Palace reveals King Charles' serious health diagnosis

<p>In a sombre announcement from Buckingham Palace, it has been confirmed that King Charles III, aged 75, has been diagnosed with cancer following his recent hospital treatment for benign prostate enlargement.</p> <p>The news has sent shockwaves across the nation and beyond, prompting an outpouring of support and concern for the monarch.</p> <p>The palace statement, released early on Tuesday morning, revealed that the king is set to commence treatment immediately, expressing gratitude to his medical team for their swift intervention. The announcement also disclosed that King Charles III will be stepping back from "public-facing" duties during the course of his treatment.</p> <p>"Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual," the palace said. "The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.</p> <p>"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."</p> <p>While the monarch reassures the public that he will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork, the decision to reduce public appearances reinforces the seriousness of the situation. This news has raised questions about the nature and extent of the king's illness, as the palace has not specified the type of cancer he is facing.</p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak have both extended their well-wishes for a speedy recovery. As the public absorbs this disconcerting news, concerns deepen with additional developments within the royal family. Prince Harry, who has been estranged from the family, is reportedly set to travel to the UK to be with his ailing father. This comes at a time when the family is already grappling with strained relationships, particularly between Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, and the rest of the royals.</p> <p>The situation is further complicated by the recent withdrawal of the Prince of Wales, William, from public duties to care for his wife, Catherine, who underwent abdominal surgery. </p> <p>King Charles III ascended to the throne after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, and his coronation took place in May of the following year. The unexpected revelation of his battle with cancer adds a layer of uncertainty to an already tumultuous period for the royal family and the nation as a whole.</p> <p>While the king remains positive about his treatment, the absence of specific details about the type of cancer and the potential impact on his public duties leaves the public in a state of unease.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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King Charles' message to Mary as she becomes Queen

<p>In a moment that felt like a page torn from a fairytale, Aussie-born Mary Donaldson has officially ascended to become the Queen of Denmark, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the nation.</p> <p>Almost two decades after being named Crown Princess, Queen Mary's journey to the throne reached its pinnacle on a joyous day at Copenhagen’s Christiansborg Castle.</p> <p>The atmosphere was electric as tens of thousands of people gathered to witness the historic occasion. From the balcony, Queen Mary, alongside her husband King Frederik X, waved to the cheering crowd, radiating happiness and a sense of unity. The ceremony, which saw the former queen Margrethe II gracefully abdicate, unfolded with grace and dignity.</p> <p>The roar of the crowd echoed through the air when Queen Mary took centre stage, symbolising the beginning of a reign that promises to be marked by warmth, wisdom and dedication. With a radiant smile and hand-in-hand with King Frederik, Queen Mary kissed her husband, captivating the hearts of onlookers and setting the tone for a reign filled with love and unity.</p> <p>The transition from Margrethe II to King Frederik X was a low-key affair, marked by the signing of official documents and a symbolic passing of the torch. The outgoing queen, after gracefully giving her seat to her son, left the room, leaving behind a legacy of over five decades of devoted service to Denmark.</p> <p>In the wake of this historic moment, messages of support and congratulations poured in from fellow royals, with King Charles and Queen Camilla among the first to extend their best wishes.</p> <p>“My wife joins me in writing to convey our very best wishes on the day of your accession to the throne of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Charles wrote. “I look forward to working with you on ensuring that the enduring bond between our countries, and our families, remains strong, and to working together with you on issues which matter so much for our countries and the wider world.”</p> <p>King Harald V of Norway predicted that Queen Mary and King Frederik X would usher Denmark into a "new era" with warmth, wisdom and dedication. The close friendship between royal families was highlighted, underlining the importance of unity and support in the challenges that lie ahead.</p> <p>Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf conveyed his warm thanks to the outgoing Queen Margrethe for years of good cooperation and offered Queen Mary his heartfelt wishes for success in her new role. The friendship between the nations, he noted, remains warm and constant, a sentiment echoed by many around the world.</p> <p>As Queen Mary ascends to the throne, this marks an incredible milestone in a fairytale story that has captivated millions for over two decades. With her grace, charm and dedication, Queen Mary is poised to lead Denmark into a bright and promising future, continuing the legacy of a monarchy that remains woven into the fabric of the nation's history.</p> <p>The world eagerly anticipates the reign of Queen Mary, a symbol of love, unity and a modern fairytale come true.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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King Charles shares unseen snap of Princess Kate on her birthday

<p>Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales is 42! </p> <p>The King and Queen have shared a sweet birthday tribute in celebration of the Princess' birthday, with an unseen photo of her during Charles' coronation. </p> <p>"Wishing The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today!" they captioned the post shared on the official royal family Instagram account. </p> <p>The photo showed a smiling Kate looking at her father-in-law, while standing with Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh during the coronation. </p> <p>Bells will ring at Westminster Abbey at 1pm to mark the occasion, and the Princess is likely to have a lowkey celebration in Windsor with her husband, Prince Charles, and their three children Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.</p> <p>"They'll be at Windsor as the children are just about to start back at school, so it will just be family," a source reportedly told the <em>Daily Mail</em>. </p> <p>"But to be honest, that's just the way she likes it."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C136l6dM48W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C136l6dM48W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Royal fans took to the comments to share their birthday tributes to the future Queen. </p> <p>"Wishing our beautiful Princess of Wales, a very happy and special birthday," one wrote. </p> <p>"Beauty, kindness and grace personified. Happy Birthday to my absolute queen," another commented. </p> <p>"Happy Birthday to our wonderful future queen," a third wrote. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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King Charles' final message to Barry Humphries hours before he died

<p>In a touching tribute to the late comedian Barry Humphries, the King has sent a personal message to be read out at the state memorial. The King, who shared a close friendship with the legendary comedian, expressed his deep sadness following Humphries' passing at the age of 89.</p> <p>The King, at 75, was not just a monarch but a friend who spoke to Humphries mere hours before his passing on April 22. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson at the time conveyed the King's profound sadness and mentioned that he was privately reaching out to Mr Humphries' family.</p> <p>Charles' connection with Humphries extended beyond formalities. The duo's friendship was a source of joy and laughter, exemplified by Humphries' memorable performance as Dame Edna at the 2013 Royal Variety Performance. </p> <p>Lord Archer, a close friend of Humphries, has also revealed that the King attended many of the comedian's shows, even bringing his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, backstage when they were young boys.</p> <p>The Australian newspaper also revealed recently that Charles sent Humphries an email just hours before his passing, with film director Bruce Beresford sharing the story:</p> <p>"Barry said, 'Well, I always admired him. We always got on well and I really liked his company and enjoyed being with him'," <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Mr Beresdord told the newspaper. </span>"Barry was one of those people, he had a great capacity for friendship. He was so interested in people."</p> <p>Now, years later, the state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House promises to be a fitting tribute to Humphries as family, friends and fans gather to celebrate the comedian's illustrious career. The Australian Chamber Orchestra, a favourite of Humphries, will perform, adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings. The presence of Humphries' widow, Lizzie Spender, and his children at the memorial underscores the profound impact he had on those closest to him.</p> <p>Humphries' association with royalty was not limited to the King; he was a mainstay at royal performances, meeting Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana at various events. The comedian's contributions were acknowledged with a CBE by the late Queen in 2007, and he continued to be a familiar face at royal gatherings, including a delightful encounter with Queen Camilla at The Oldie of the Year Awards in 2021.</p> <p>The state memorial, with its mix of laughter, music and shared memories, will undoubtedly be a fitting tribute to a man who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Pitch to ditch the King from Aussie coins

<p>Bob Katter is calling for a major overhaul of Australian coins, saying King Charles' image should be scrapped from the currency. </p> <p>The federal MP touted an alternative design for the national coins, suggesting it could feature a Kalkadoon warrior or distinguished Australian soldier Ralph Honner.</p> <p>“Surely you’d put Kokoda hero Ralph Honner on your coin, not some British monarch, demonstrating that you don’t believe that all people are born free and equal and that you don’t believe you’re a separate country, that you’re a nationalistic Australian,” Katter said on Monday.</p> <p>The Queensland MP plans to move an amendment to the Crown References Amendment Bill to omit references to the monarchy and substitute the words “sovereign people of Australia”.</p> <p>“For heaven’s sake, get rid of the affirmation that we believe that all people are free and equal,” Katter said.</p> <p>“If you’ve got a monarch on your coin, you do not believe that all people are free and equal.”</p> <p>Katter's pitch comes just weeks after the Royal Australian Mint last month unveiled the effigy of King Charles III, which will be seen on Australian coins by Christmas.</p> <p>For decades, the country’s coins have carried an image of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022.</p> <p>The Royal Mint also recently announced the production of a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/new-commemorative-queen-coin-worth-serious-cash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commemorative coin</a> in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth, which is already in high demand among royal fans and avid coin collectors. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Fergie and Will share rare throwback pics on King Charles' birthday

<p>Well-wishes are flooding in for King Charles as he celebrates his momentous 75th birthday, with the joyous occasion prompting a wave of tributes from close family members, fans and even fellow European royals.</p> <p>As the monarch enters this significant chapter of his life, the festivities are coupled with a commitment to a noble cause, as he and Queen Camilla launch the Coronation Food Project, a philanthropic initiative aiming to address food waste and hunger across the UK.</p> <p>Prince William, the heir to the throne, took the lead in showering his father with warm wishes. On the official Prince and Princess of Wales' social media pages, Prince William shared a heartwarming throwback photo capturing a joyous moment on the slopes above the Swiss village of Klosters. The post also featured a solo shot of the birthday king and a delightful family picture, including Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wishing His Majesty The King a very happy 75th birthday!🎂 <a href="https://t.co/emO3gzXiRf">pic.twitter.com/emO3gzXiRf</a></p> <p>— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1724376246874718256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The British royal family's own social media platforms joined the celebration by commemorating the milestone birthday with a video chronicling the life of King Charles.</p> <p>Former sister-in-law Sarah Ferguson added her nostalgic touch to the well-wishing, sharing a flashback photo accompanied by a heartfelt message: "Wishing the happiest of birthdays to His Majesty, King Charles III. Long live the King."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CznnXf0KPCH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CznnXf0KPCH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Even the official Sandringham accounts dedicated a post to the royal celebration, sharing a photo of His Majesty on the estate along with a birthday message, "Wishing His Majesty The King a very Happy 75th Birthday from all at Sandringham!"</p> <p>Beyond the borders, European royals also joined the chorus of well-wishers. The Norwegian King, in particular, led the way by sharing photos from a 2012 visit on Instagram with a caption that read, "Happy birthday King Charles! We congratulate King Charles who today turns 75 years old."</p> <p>While the day was undoubtedly filled with celebration, King Charles and Queen Camilla are not taking a break from their duties. On this special day, the royal couple launched the Coronation Food Project, a new initiative that aims to address the dual challenges of food waste and food insecurity across the UK. By bridging the gap between surplus and need, the Coronation Food Project stands as a testament to the royal couple's commitment to both people and the planet.</p> <p>As King Charles reaches the significant milestone of his 75th birthday, the outpouring of well-wishes from family, friends and fans on social media reflects the respect and admiration he commands. The royal celebration is not just about festivities; it is also an opportunity to spotlight meaningful initiatives like the Coronation Food Project, underlining the monarchy's dedication to addressing pressing social issues. In this dual celebration of a life well-lived and a commitment to service, King Charles III's birthday becomes a moment of reflection and inspiration for both the royal family and the public alike.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram / X</em></p>

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Limited edition King Charles stamps up for grabs

<p>Australia Post has released a limited edition stamp collection to celebrate King Charles' 75th birthday. </p> <p>Two of the stamps will mark the King's birthday on the 14th of November, while the third will commemorate his coronation. </p> <p>This is the first time the King has featured on an Australia Post stamp since his coronation. </p> <p>Australia Post said that the special one-off collection “serves as a tribute to his dedicated service, education, and the betterment of society”.</p> <p>In a media release they also said that "The collection encapsulates the essence of King Charles III's legacy, embodying his continued commitment to tradition and progress." </p> <p>The first stamp features a black-and-white photo of young King Charles during his journey to Sydney in 1966, where he was greeted by then Prime Minister Harold Holt.</p> <p>The second one is of the King in 2018 which “showcases His Majesty seated at his desk, symbolising a lifetime of duty and leadership”. </p> <p>The third picture highlights his coronation as the King is pictured in his crown. </p> <p>All three limited edition stamps are priced at $1.20 and are now on sale across the country at participating post offices, via mail order on <strong>1800 331 794</strong> and <a href="https://auspost.com.au/shop/collectables" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online</a>. </p> <p><em>Images: Australia Post/ The Royal Family</em></p>

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The Remembrance Day moment that brought King Charles to tears

<p>King Charles was holding back tears as he unveiled the statues in honour of his late parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. </p> <p>The monarch and his wife, Camilla, unveiled the statues on Friday, during the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall.</p> <p>The statue unveiling was part of a greater ceremony for Remembrance Day, which honours those who have sacrificed their lives to serve and protect the Commonwealth.</p> <p>King Charles was tasked with unveiling the statue of his mother, while Camila pulled the curtain away from Philip's statue. </p> <p>Photos taken of the royal during the event showed what appeared to be tears welling up in his eyes as he looked on proudly, likely reminiscing about the memories he shared with his parents. </p> <p>According to the <em>Times</em>, the artworks were commissioned in 2021 as part of the Hall’s 150th anniversary, and the statues were designed by Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust scholar, Poppy Field.</p> <p>Members of the royal family including Prince William and Princess Kate, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent, came to commemorate the occasion. </p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>Maja Smiejkowska-WPA Pool/Getty Images</em></p>

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King Charles rocked by death in the family

<p>King Charles is in mourning after it was confirmed that one of his close relatives has passed away. </p> <p>According to a death notice in the Dundee Courier, the monarch's first cousin once removed, Albemarle Bowes-Lyon, died on October 30th at the age of 83. </p> <p>As well as being the King's cousin, Albemarle was also a nephew of the late Queen Mother, who died in 2002.</p> <p>Albemarle was the brother of Fergus Bowes-Lyon, the Earl of Strathmore and Mary and Patricia.</p> <p>The publication went on to confirm that a "private funeral" for Albemarle would be held at a later date, which will be a "celebration" of his life.</p> <p>Albemarle was a close relative of several members of the royal family, and was invited to both the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth, and her funeral. </p> <p>However, he did not receive an invitation to King Charles' coronation in May this year. </p> <p>The news of Albemarle's death came as King Charles and Queen Camilla were en route to Kenya for a royal tour. </p> <p>The trip to east Africa is the first time the monarch has traveled to a Commonwealth country since becoming King.</p> <p>During a speech on his first day of a four-day visit, King Charles expressed “greatest sorrow and the deepest regret” for the “abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence” committed against Kenyans as they sought independence.</p> <p>However, he didn't explicitly apologise for Britain's actions in its former colony, as many Kenyans wanted.</p> <p>Charles at the state banquet hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto said there “can be no excuse” for the “wrongdoings of the past," as he said that addressing them with honesty and openness could “continue to build an ever closer bond in the years ahead.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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When King Charles is planning to visit Australia

<p>King Charles is preparing to make his first visit to Australia as a monarch. </p> <p>According to reports from the British Media, King Charles and Camilla are expected to head Down Under in late 2024. </p> <p>The reports of the visit comes after many have accused the royal family of snubbing Australia, after there was no offical visit from the royal family during the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, despite other royal family members travelling to Commonwealth countries. </p> <p>Prince William has also been called out for not travelling to Australia for the FIFA Women's World Cup final that took place in Sydney, which saw England take on Spain.</p> <p>While Buckingham Palace has yet to officially announce a visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla to Australia, the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals/article-12606099/Charles-monarchy-Australia-King-Sydney-trip.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Mail on Sunday</em></a> has reported that royal aides are busy preparing for a trip to Sydney to coincide with the King's first attendance as the head of the Commonwealth at its meeting in Samoa.</p> <p>A senior Australian government minister told the publication that a royal visit would lead to a "renewed conversation" about the country having its own head of state.</p> <p>Assistant minister for the republic Matt Thistlethwaite said, "The King will always be welcome in Australia and greeted fondly by the Australian people."</p> <p>"But in modern-day Australia his visit will trigger a renewed conversation about having our own head of state who lives with us, represents us and is an Australian."</p> <p>However, shadow defence minister Andrew Hastie said, "The King will be very welcome on his first visit. There is a renewed enthusiasm for the Crown down-under and a sense that we share in something special and historic."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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King Charles delights cyclists with surprise encounter

<p>A group of cyclists have caught the heartwarming moment they bumped into King Charles on camera. </p> <p>The royal was hiking alone near Balmoral estate when he passed by the group of mountain bikers, and in typical British fashion, started talking to them about the weather, and sharing his most cherished memories on the estate. </p> <p>The video, posted on mountain biker Andrew McAvoy's YouTube channel <em>McTrail Rider, </em>racked up over 310,000 views in just two days. </p> <p>"I think Charlie boy is here because there's guards down there with big assault rifles and stuff like that - it looks pretty cool," McAvoy said just before he started his trail. </p> <p>"They probably wouldn't do that if no one important was here." </p> <p>Not long after he spotted a walked in the distance and added: "I think that's a minor royal," before the realisation set in that it was in fact the King himself.</p> <p>The King stopped and started chatting with the group of cyclists, with McAvoy sharing that he and his friends were staying at he Royal Lochnagar Distillery, and were heading for Gelder Shiel - also known as Ernie's Bothy or the Royal Bothy - a public shelter used by hillwalkers. </p> <p>"We'll be staying in the bothy tonight," McAvoy said. </p> <p>"So good. I'm so glad it works. I think because it's is really nice. We renovated recently, but I'm trying to get more trees," Charles replied. </p> <p>"Yeah, it's looking looking lush compared to what it was two years ago. Do you ever stay there?" McAvoy added. </p> <p>"No we used to with my father and sister. It's occasionally used nowadays by another generation," Charles said. </p> <p>When asked if he was still on his summer holiday the monarch replied: "Yes. It is wonderful up here. The midges are horrendous. It's typical."</p> <p>The King added that he liked walking because it was "good for the soul" despite a somewhat colder Scottish summer this year. </p> <p>They then bid their farewells, with the King showing his sense of humour saying: "Take care, don't fall off!" </p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QABiQFWwXHg?si=oYHjQOwz997qnPRg" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>After their brief encounter, McAvoy and his friends couldn't help but comment on "what a nice man" Charles was.</p> <p>"Lovely man had time for us. Nice. I'm annoyed because I didn't want to care, but that was nice."</p> <p>The cyclist added: "He's a nice man. He's walking when everyone else is driving.</p> <p>"I'm just perplexed. It'd be one thing to like see the King with everyone - he was just wandering down the trail on his own."</p> <p>The Balmoral estate is generally open to the public from April to July each year, with access to the castle grounds being allowed on certain dates from September to December from this year. </p> <p><em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Images: McTrail Rider YouTube</em></p>

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