Queen Camilla has told how Charles has no plans to reduce his busy schedule during cancer treatment because it is his passion for his role as monarch that “keeps him going”
The Queen has told how the King is “driven by helping others” as he vows “to do more and more”, despite his continued treatment for cancer. Camilla revealed her husband’s passion for his role as monarch is what “keeps him going” and has even aided his recovery from the disease.
Speaking this week to British journalists with the King and Queen on their state visit to Italy, Camilla joked how she – along with his closest royal aides – have previously appealed to Charles to reduce his extraordinary schedule. But their pleas have been dismissed by the 76-year-old who insists his work is what drives him forward.
She said: “I think he loves his work and it keeps him going. And I think it’s wonderful, you know, if you’ve been ill and you are recovering, you’re getting better and now he wants to do more and more and more. That’s the problem!”
Asked what makes the King happy, Camilla, 77, added: “That’s what he’s driven by. Helping others.” The royal couple on Wedneday marked their 20th wedding anniversary with a busy day of engagements in Rome.
Reflecting on their trip, at the behest of the British government to strengthen ties with a key European and NATO partner, the King and Queen have retreated their Birkhall home on the royals’ Balmoral estate in Scotland, not only toast the success of the visit, but finally find some downtime to celebrate two decades of marriage.
Even though he continues to have weekly treatment for cancer – and just three weeks ago was hospitalised suffering from side effects from the medication – the King is determined more than ever to press ahead.
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Senior royal sources have revealed the King and Queen will undertake a number of state visits both at home and abroad this year. The Mirror has previously revealed how the monarch is set to undertake major royal tours to the United States and Canada next spring, a trip courtiers suggest as Canada’s head of state will be of incredible importance to Charles.
One royal aide said: “His Majesty cares very much about all of the countries where he has the privilege of being King and Head of State. He’s always supported Canada, there is nothing new in that.
“What could perhaps otherwise be simply be seen as normal expressions of support do seem to be being noticed a little more. But showing support for Canada is something he’s always done and that he will continue to do.”
Buckingham Palace is also continuing to work with the foreign office on potential tours including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The King is also set to travel to the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm), in his role as head of the commonwealth, in Antigua and Barbuda.
President of the United States Donald Trump has also been invited to be hosted on an unprecedented second state visit, which aides suggest could be organised for this summer. Such grand plans are a clear sign of Charles’ determination to “get on with the job in hand” and cement his legacy as King.
Over four days Charles and Camilla packed in an extraordinary schedule, touring two cities, meeting the country’s president and prime minister, touring churches and museums, and a private audience with the Pope.
It was what senior palace aides have described as “soft power at its best”, adding: “supporting and celebrating the people-to people relationship between Italy and the UK is one of the most important aspects of the job so the King and Queen were delighted to be able to help shine a light on it.”
I watched as the King became the first British monarch to address the Italian parliament, receiving two standing ovations during a 22 minute speech covering the source of wars throughout the world, the neccessity for continued partnership with our European allies and the need to address the climate crisis.
Charles and Camilla were greeted with huge crowds across the stunning historic cities of Rome and Ravenna, visiting sites such as the iconic Colosseum, Dante’s tomb and being guests of honour at a glittering state banquet at the Quirinal Palace.
While aides said while “the UK can be rightly proud and which delivers huge benefit for UK interests overseas”, the King had been “genuinely deeply moved” by his visit to the mausoleum in the grounds of the Basilica of San Vittale in Ravenna, as well as being “naturally pleased when their engagements hit the bullseye”.
One senior palace official even said Charles and Camilla “loved the final engagement in Ravenna – including, you may be surprised to hear, the huge crush of the crowds that you will have seen!”
Charles’ brief hospital stay, described at the time as a “minor bump in the road” has not thrown any future plans into doubt, rather emboldened him to do more. As one aide told me last week: “He’s more determined than ever to crack on with things.”
Even with last minute rearranging of the schedule of the state visit, with various engagements in the Vatican scrapped due to the Pope suffering from pneumonia, the King and Queen were able to enjoy a “very significant and special moment” with the Holy Father when he was discharged from hospital and wanted to see them.
One senior palace aide said: “I think outside of the official programme the most significant and indeed moving thing was that visit to The Pope. We didn’t know until the last minute that it would be possible. But when The Pope asked if he could see the King and Queen, Their Majesties were clearly very pleased; after all, they have known him over many years and with the rest of the world have been praying for his recovery.”
The King’s attention will now turn towards Easter as well as leading the nation next month in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. For palace officials tasked with filling his diary, they know any suggestion of slowing down is not an option.
“We’ve all tried!”, one says. “But as people will have seen The King enjoys his work, he enjoys engaging with as many people as possible. And in this role, as when Prince of Wales, he knows he is fortunate to be in a position to make a difference, and is determined to do just that.”
