King Charles revealed details about his cancer treatment to legendary musician Rod Stewart during the recent Celebrity Phil Awards ceremony.
The King, aged 75, hosted a star-studded event on June 11 at St. James’s Palace in London, where he welcomed prominent figures such as David Beckham, Naomi Campbell, Sienna Miller, and Edward Enninful for the inaugural awards organized by the King’s Foundation.
Stewart, who serves as an ambassador for the charity, had the honor of presenting an award at the ceremony.
During their interaction, Stewart shared that the monarch had undergone treatment before the event, emphasizing his resilience and dedication to work despite health challenges.
Stewart, known for hits like “Maggie Mae,” has battled prostate cancer himself, announcing his remission in September 2019 after a two-year private treatment following his diagnosis in 2016.
Similarly, King Charles has been open about his health journey since returning to public duties in late April, post the announcement of his cancer diagnosis and treatment earlier in the year by Buckingham Palace.
At a recent appearance at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, not directly linked to his medical care, the King discussed the emotional impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis, acknowledging the initial shock that comes with such news.
Queen Camilla expressed joy at her husband’s return to work, highlighting his enthusiasm during his solo engagements and jokingly referring to his relief at being “out of his cage.”
The King also shared insights about his treatment experience, including discussing side effects like a loss of taste, during interactions with individuals like British Army veteran Aaron Mappelbeck, who could relate due to his own chemotherapy journey.
The palace confirmed that while the treatment remains ongoing, the King’s progress has been promising enough to allow him to resume select public engagements, with necessary adaptations to ensure his continued recovery.
The palace spokesperson refrained from specifying the treatment timeline, noting that it is premature to predict its completion.
However, they conveyed optimism from the medical team regarding the King’s recovery trajectory, emphasizing his gratitude for the care received.
The King’s positive outlook was evident during the King’s Foundation Awards, where he engaged warmly with attendees like Stewart, sharing moments of camaraderie and humor.
The awards ceremony marked a significant milestone for the charity established by Charles in 1990, aiming to foster sustainable communities and recognize contributions aligning with its mission across various sectors.
As the event unfolded, cameras captured glimpses of the King’s interactions, including lighthearted exchanges between Stewart and Beckham, who is set to become an ambassador for the King’s Foundation.
The upcoming Trooping the Colour event, a traditional celebration for the King’s official birthday, will see modifications this year to accommodate his ongoing treatment.
Instead of riding on horseback as customary, King Charles will travel by carriage alongside Queen Camilla, showcasing adaptability amid personal health challenges while continuing to fulfill his royal duties with resilience and grace.