THE doctors have imposed a period of rest on him at Sandringham, while he receives treatment for an as yet unspecified tumor, but yesterday Carlo unexpectedly decided not to limit himself to a phone call with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, for the weekly Wednesday meeting where they discuss state affairs. The sovereign preferred to get on a helicopter and be taken to Buckingham Palace, where the meeting instead took place in person. All to demonstrate to those who now want him “retired”, that the reign of King Charles III it is not finished yet.
King Charles III returns to work sooner than expected
While the Prince of Wales was busy with a series of investitures at Windsor Castle, Charles, 75, was demonstrating his health at Buckingham Palace. The sovereign appeared smiling, although slightly thinner and with some signs of tiredness. But why did he decide to leave without warning the quiet of his country home in Sandringham to suddenly return to court in London?
King Charles’ message to his son William
According to many English royal watchers, it was a clear message to his son William who, taking advantage of a visit to the British Red Cross, meddled in international political issues without asking permission. The Prince of Wales urged Israelis and Palestinians to end the conflict in Gaza and step up humanitarian efforts. One step that Carlo and grandmother Elisabetta would never have approved: the English Royals they cannot interfere in politics.
Charles III and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace, London, 21 February 2024 (Getty Images)
King Charles’ emotion at the many messages
After the usual handshake in front of the photographers, in the sumptuous Audience Room of Buckingham Palace, which preceded a closed-door meeting, the monarch revealed to Rishi Sunak that he felt particularly thrilled to receive thousands of messages and cards of encouragement and support. And she confessed: on more than one occasion tears came to his eyes. When Sunak then congratulated him on finding him in excellent shape, the king scoffed, saying: «Good thing there are mirrors».
Charles doesn’t give up the throne, William will have to wait
The evening before, Carlo had also gone in person to a meeting of the Privy Council, the privy council of advisors who assist the monarch in the exercise of royal prerogatives. Another symbolic gesture demonstrating his determination to continue to reign despite his illness. «I don’t need a regent»the king seems to sayin reference to rumors that William is on the throne sooner than expected.
George follows grandfather Carlo, Sandringham, 25 December 2022 (Getty Images)
Carlo acts as a mentor to his nephew George
William and Kate’s firstborn turns 11 next July and, despite still being very young, his position as second in line of succession to the throne begins to monopolize his free time from school.
George is already gradually preparing for life at court and, after having acted as page boy to the‘Coronation last May 6th, the future king is spending every holiday and weekend with his grandfather Charles, just as William did with his grandmother Elizabeth. A tradition between grandparents and grandchildren that teaches heirs the importance of Royal traditions. Even if then, like William, they decide to do their own thing.
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