Why Queen Camilla is reportedly 'pleading' with King Charles to rest

King Charles is breaking royal tradition — and possibly pushing himself too far — amid his ongoing cancer treatment, sparking concern among royal watchers and even Queen Camilla, who reportedly wants him to slow things down.

Speaking on Palace Confidential, royal expert Richard Eden said the monarch’s decision to be so transparent about his health has led us into “uncharted waters.” 

Unlike previous royals who kept serious health battles under wraps, Charles has chosen a more open path. "We’ve never had a monarch speak this publicly about cancer before," Eden noted. “When his grandfather, George VI, had cancer, he wasn’t even told himself.”

Although Buckingham Palace has not revealed what type of cancer the King is battling, they’ve been surprisingly candid — including last week, when Charles was quietly admitted to hospital after experiencing side effects from his treatment. 

The Palace confirmed it was just a precaution, but the news still sent a ripple of worry through royal fans.

According to Eden, Camilla is urging her husband to take it easy, especially after his brief hospitalization. 

“I do get the sense that the Queen is very keen to slow him down a bit,” he said. “I think she'd rather he was relaxing in the garden… but that’s just not who he is.”

Royal correspondent Rebecca English echoed that sentiment, adding: “It’s remarkable we even heard about the hospital visit. 

In the past, the Palace would never have shared that kind of information — even Queen Elizabeth II’s overnight hospital stays were kept secret until they leaked.”

Charles has insisted on transparency, a decision reportedly motivated by the backlash the royals faced during previous health cover-ups. 

Still, the Palace is drawing a clear line of privacy, declining to share the exact diagnosis — likely to avoid speculation and internet-fuelled theories.

“He wants to be as open as possible,” Rebecca said, “but he’s still allowed some privacy, and rightly so.”

Despite everything, the King has refused to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy, even though Pope Francis recently pulled out due to health issues — a move insiders say reflects Charles’s strong commitment to royal duty.

Charles has resumed public duties, recently appearing to commemorate Papua New Guinea's 50th independence anniversary, calling his hospital visit just a “bump in the road.”

In his own words, the monarch said he hoped by going public with his treatment, he could help "curb rumours" and support others affected by cancer worldwide.

What happened to King Charles?

​King Charles has been undergoing treatment for cancer since his diagnosis in February 2024. Recently, he experienced temporary side effects from his ongoing treatment, leading to a brief hospitalization on March 27. Following medical observation, he was discharged and returned to his residence at Clarence House. ​

Despite this health setback, King Charles resumed his public duties shortly thereafter. On April 1, 2025, he presided over an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, appearing in good spirits and engaging with honorees. ​

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