By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Navigating Public Life with Cancer
King Charles has resumed his public duties after a period of reduced engagement following his cancer diagnosis in February 2024. The diagnosis led to a temporary withdrawal from most public appearances, though the King maintained his constitutional responsibilities, including paperwork and private meetings. His weekly sessions with the prime minister continued, though not all were in person. The King's first significant public appearance post diagnosis was on Easter Sunday, where he and Queen Camilla greeted crowds after a church service in Windsor.
The King's cancer diagnosis required him to balance his treatment with his royal duties. Despite stepping back from public events initially, he ensured that his role as head of state remained uninterrupted. His ongoing commitment to his responsibilities was evident as he continued to perform essential functions, demonstrating his dedication and resilience.
Resuming a Full Schedule of Public Engagements
By the end of April 2024, King Charles resumed his public duties, beginning with a visit to a cancer treatment center accompanied by Queen Camilla. He also made a surprise visit to an army barracks in Hampshire, humorously remarking about being "allowed out of my cage." His engagements since then have included attending the Trooping the Colour ceremony, where Catherine, Princess of Wales, made her first public appearance following her own cancer diagnosis.
In late June, the King and Queen hosted Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako for a state visit, showcasing their commitment to international relations. Shortly after, they traveled to Edinburgh for the Thistle service, where the King formally appointed the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Scotland's highest order of chivalry. Their visit to Cardiff marked 25 years of the Welsh Parliament, where Charles addressed the Senedd in Welsh.
The King's return to public duties also included visits to Jersey and Guernsey, the first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Jersey in 2005. Following the general election, King Charles invited Sir Keir Starmer to Buckingham Palace to form a government, and he delivered the King's Speech during the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July. Looking ahead, the King and Queen are set to visit Australia in October and attend a Commonwealth summit in Samoa, though a visit to New Zealand has been advised against by the King's doctors.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Monarch
As the UK’s head of state, King Charles’s powers are largely symbolic and ceremonial. He remains politically neutral, receiving daily government dispatches in a red leather box, including briefings and documents requiring his signature. The King’s private meetings with the prime minister, held weekly, remain a crucial part of his role, though no official records are kept of these discussions.
Among his official duties, the King appoints the government following general elections, formally dissolves Parliament, and delivers the King's Speech outlining the government’s plans. He grants Royal Assent to legislation, enabling it to become law, a process last refused in 1708. The King also leads the annual Remembrance event in November and hosts visiting heads of state, regularly meeting foreign ambassadors and high commissioners.
As head of the Commonwealth, King Charles oversees an association of 56 independent countries, including 14 Commonwealth realms and the Crown dependencies of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. He also confers official honors recognizing individuals’ merit, service, or bravery and serves as patron to various organizations. Queen Camilla, too, holds several patronages and engages in public duties, supporting the Royal Family’s extensive charitable work and public engagements.
