King Charles has resumed his public duties after a temporary withdrawal following his cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Diagnosed in February 2024, the King began treatment shortly after and took a brief hiatus from his extensive public engagements. Despite this, he continued fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities, including paperwork and private meetings, though his interactions with the Prime Minister were not always conducted in person.
Impact of the Diagnosis on the King’s Duties
The diagnosis did not halt the King’s role as head of state. King Charles continued with essential functions such as constitutional duties and state paperwork. His meetings with the Prime Minister, a key aspect of his role, continued, albeit some were conducted remotely. His first major public appearance after his diagnosis was on Easter Sunday, where he and Queen Camilla greeted crowds following a church service in Windsor.
Key Public Appearances and Events
By the end of April 2024, King Charles resumed his public engagements with renewed vigor. His initial public outing was a visit to a cancer treatment center with Queen Camilla, reflecting his personal connection to the cause. He also made an unanticipated visit to an army barracks in Hampshire, humorously referring to his return as being “allowed out of my cage.”
Since then, King Charles has participated in several significant events. He attended the Trooping of the Colour ceremony, where Catherine, Princess of Wales, made her highly anticipated first public appearance after her own cancer diagnosis. At the end of June, he and Queen Camilla hosted the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a three-day state visit. This was followed by the King’s formal appointment of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Scotland’s highest order of chivalry during the Thistle service in Edinburgh.
In Cardiff, King Charles marked 25 years of the Welsh Parliament and delivered an address in Welsh, showcasing his long-standing connection to Wales. He and Queen Camilla also visited Jersey and Guernsey, the first royal visit to the Channel Islands since Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Jersey in 2005.
Following the general election, King Charles invited Sir Keir Starmer to form a government at Buckingham Palace. The King delivered the King’s Speech on July 17 during the State Opening of Parliament. Upcoming engagements include a visit to Australia in October and a Commonwealth summit in Samoa, though New Zealand was omitted from the itinerary on medical advice.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Monarch
As the head of state, King Charles’s role is largely symbolic and ceremonial. His duties include receiving daily dispatches from the government, meeting with the Prime Minister, and performing various parliamentary functions. These include appointing a government, dissolving Parliament before elections, and delivering the King’s Speech during the State Opening. The King’s approval, or Royal Assent, is also required for legislation to become law, though refusal of assent is a rare occurrence.
The King leads annual events such as the Remembrance service at the Cenotaph and regularly meets with visiting heads of state and foreign ambassadors. As the head of the Commonwealth, he oversees an association of 56 independent countries and is also head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms and Crown dependencies. Additionally, he confers official honors and is a patron of various organizations including the RNLI, Samaritans, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society.
Family and Succession
King Charles’s heir is his elder son, the Prince of Wales, William. The order of succession dictates that William’s eldest child, Prince George, is second in line, followed by Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Prince Harry is fifth in line.
Funding and Finances
The Royal Family’s finances come from several sources. The Sovereign Grant, based on a percentage of the Crown Estate’s profits, funds official expenses. For 2023-2024, the Sovereign Grant is £86.3 million. The King also receives income from the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duke of Cornwall, which support his and William’s personal expenses. These funds are voluntarily taxed by the royals.
Recent and Historical Context
King Charles ascended to the throne upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022. His coronation took place on May 6, 2023, and was followed by the presentation of Scottish crown jewels in Edinburgh. The King and Queen reside at Buckingham Palace, which is undergoing a substantial refurbishment, and split their time between other royal residences.
Public Perception
A 2023 YouGov poll revealed that 62% of Britons support maintaining the monarchy, although support varies significantly by age and region. Older generations and English residents show stronger support compared to younger individuals and those in Scotland and Wales.
FAQ
1. Why did King Charles withdraw from public duties initially?
King Charles withdrew from public duties following his cancer diagnosis in February 2024 to focus on treatment. Despite this, he continued to perform his constitutional roles and private meetings.
2. When did King Charles resume his public engagements?
King Charles resumed his public duties at the end of April 2024, beginning with visits to a cancer treatment center and an army barracks, followed by appearances at various official events.
3. What are the King’s primary roles and responsibilities?
King Charles’s primary roles include ceremonial functions, such as the State Opening of Parliament and granting Royal Assent to legislation. He also meets with foreign dignitaries, performs official duties, and is a patron of several organizations.
4. How is the Royal Family funded?
The Royal Family is funded through the Sovereign Grant, derived from Crown Estate profits, and private estates such as the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall. The Sovereign Grant for 2023-2024 is £86.3 million.
5. Who is next in line for the throne?
The heir to the throne is Prince William, the Prince of Wales. His eldest child, Prince George, is second in line, followed by Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
6. How did King Charles’s health impact his royal duties?
King Charles’s health led to a temporary reduction in his public appearances, but he continued essential constitutional functions. His public duties were gradually resumed with significant events and state visits.
