Queen Camilla Didn't Want King Charles to Share Cancer Diagnosis, But He "Overruled" Her
She "had initially been against disclosing" the news.
Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace revealed King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. In a statement, the palace noted (via the BBC), "He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."
The statement also explained why the king wanted to share his personal health journey with the general public. "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," the statement said. However, not everyone was on board with King Charles' decision to reveal he had cancer, according to a new report in The Independent.
Royal biographer Robert Jobson opened up about the king's decision to be candid, telling the publication, "Queen Camilla had initially been against disclosing his condition, but the King overruled her as he felt it was a chance to take a lead and in doing so to encourage men experiencing similar symptoms to seek timely medical attention." Jobson also revealed that the king's candor appeared to have a positive affect, saying, "There was a significant increase in searches related to enlarged prostate... following the monarch’s revelation."
Despite Camilla's apparent resistance, Charles allegedly wanted to avoid any "fake news" circulating regarding his health. Jobson noted, "He was lauded for doing so, with commentators saying he had ushered in a new era of transparency in matters of health and the royal family."
Just last month, a report by the Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English revealed that Camilla's friends "had never seen her so worried," following news of Charles' diagnosis. English explained Camilla's fear, saying, "Not because the King’s prognosis was particularly bad, it should be stressed, but because on a human level, cancer is such a genuinely terrifying prospect for both patients and their partners."
Back in May, during a royal excursion, Charles shared he'd lost his sense of taste while undergoing chemotherapy. His continued openness about his health has certainly helped the monarch connect with more people. Meanwhile, Prince William's wife, Princess Kate, was also diagnosed with cancer in 2024, meaning the royal family has faced a truly challenging year.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Amy Mackelden is a contributing editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.
-
Taylor Swift Brought Her Whole Family and Travis Kelce's Parents Together at the Kansas City Chiefs' Playoff Game
And they looked like one big, happy family.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner Match in Anti-Après Ski Black Dresses for Dinner With Hailey Bieber in Aspen
Nothing will ever be more mob wife than Bieber's absolutely massive fur coat, though.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
30 Staples for Expensive-Looking Spring Outfits
The ultimate wardrobe refresh
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Kate Middleton Made a Secret, “Under the Radar” Hospital Visit to Thank Nurses and Doctors for Supporting Her During Her Cancer Battle
Kate made a "strictly private" visit in December o personally deliver gifts to the people involved in her treatment.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Princess Kate Chose When to Reveal She Was in Remission for a Very Good Reason and It “Speaks Volumes”
"It’s such a weird disease, it stops you and makes you evaluate and review your life," a patient who met the princess said.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
King Charles and a Pair of Garden Shears Played a Joke on This '70s Rock Star
The monarch showed off his sense of humor at an event in Scotland.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Princess Kate Gave Cancer Patients "Not Just Sympathy But Empathy Too"
"The princess’s presence on the wards was so encouraging and sent the message 'I went through this just like you, and you can overcome it, too'."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Suddenly Cancels Royal Engagement, Says He Would Have Been "Significantly Restricted"
"The Prince of Wales sends his sincere apologies to those who he had been due to meet."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William "Didn't Want" Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte to Share This Passion He Has in Common With Prince George
Future kings club.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince George Might Inherit This Special Family Title When Prince William Becomes King
"I'd be stunned if it disappeared, only because the monarchy is built on tradition."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Is Dealing With "Huge Generational Pressure" as He Prepares for the Throne With Kate Middleton
"Disastrous members of the family" are reportedly "wary of his wrath."
By Amy Mackelden Published