King Charles doing well despite year of health and family dramas
May 6 marks the one-year anniversary of Charles’ coronation and if he thought things would settle down after the ceremony, he couldn’t have been more mistaken. Read our recap.
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Considering he waited so long to take the throne, you’d think fate would have been kinder to King Charles, but the first year of his reign, post-coronation, has not been without crisis.
Monday, May 6, marks one year from Charles’ coronation and if he thought things would settle down after the ceremony, he couldn’t have been more mistaken.
Despite the challenges of health and family dramas, the King is doing very well, says royal biographer Ingrid Seward.
“He made history by becoming the oldest monarch to ascend the throne after such a long and popular reign as that of his mother’s,” she says.
“He slipped in very comfortably and immediately showed a more modern approach by his intimacy with the crowds and his apparent enjoyment at being King,” she says.
“I think he has done brilliantly and, in a way, his diagnosis of cancer has brought him even more in touch with his subjects,” says Seward, author of My Mother and I.
And she expects the next few months to bring some positive news.
“I think the King will be back to full strength soon. He has a busy summer coming up and will want to do as much as he can – especially the 80th anniversary of D Day, Trooping the Colour, Garter Day and Royal Ascot.”
We take a look at the highs and lows of the King’s first official year.
May 2023: A king is crowned
It was 74 years in the making, but on May 6, 2023, Charles was finally crowned King in a lavish – albeit slightly slimmed-down – coronation in Westminster Abbey.
The event, which was watched on TV by 20 million Brits and three million Aussies, was attended by dignitaries from all over the world, including Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley.
It was followed by a concert at Windsor Castle.
Despite the odd antimonarchy protester, the future looked bright.
June: First Trooping the Colour and Ascot
The following month brought the King’s first Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade, where the new monarch took to horseback for the spectacle, which his mother had done before him.
June also saw his and Camilla’s first Ascot, as monarchs, and sadly the end of the brisk bidding on the colour of Queen Elizabeth’s hat.
September: State visit to France
In September came the King and Queen’s state visit to France.
Charles and Camilla had to postpone the trip planned for March, due to riots in Paris but, when they finally made it, the pair were a triumph.
Charles delivered a speech in French, like his late mother, and Camilla hit headlines for her Dior gown at the Versailles banquet.
Tres bon!
October: King speaks out about cancel culture
As Prince of Wales, Charles was known for his outspoken opinions and the King didn’t hold back in his speech in Mansion House, London, addressing cancel culture.
“Do we pause, instinctively and unerringly, before speaking or acting to ensure we are affording equal weight to both sides of the balance?” he said.
“Our society would be a kinder and gentler place for it.”
November: Race row and big birthday
King Charles’ plea for kindness was tested the following month.
After opening parliament for the first time and celebrating his 75th birthday, November took a turn for the worse, when the King and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were named as allegedly the “royal racists” in Omid Scobie’s book Endgame.
The pair’s names were made public in a “translation error” by the Dutch version and dominated headlines.
January 2024: Health battles begin
It was anything but a happy new year for the King when, on January 17, it was announced he was having a prostate procedure.
It was a double blow, as Kensington Palace had also just released a statement saying the Princess of Wales was undergoing abdominal surgery.
“In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
“His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital … for a corrective procedure,” Buckingham Palace said.
The King was praised for his transparency and raising awareness of the condition.
He left hospital on January 29, smiling and waving to photographers.
February: Cancer diagnosis
There was further bad news when, on February 5, Buckingham Palace confirmed the King was now receiving treatment for cancer.
“During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” Buckingham Palace said.
“He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
The only good news was Prince Harry jetting in to see his dad.
March: King’s support of Kate
Camilla stood in for the King at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey and Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral.
“We need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need,” the King said in a video message for Easter.
However, he was dismayed by the news of Catherine’s cancer.
After Catherine posted a video explaining she had cancer, on March 22, Buckingham Palace said the King was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”.
April: Heartbreak for Australia
Just when things looked like they might be on the up, with news the King still planned to visit Australia later this year, there was heartbreak in the country so special to him.
The April 13 stabbing at Bondi Junction Westfield, killing six people, touched the monarch deeply.
“My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi,” he said.
“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.”
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