Paul Burrell has said he believes Queen Camilla is the "guiding force" in the Royal Family and the one who has encouraged The King to be open about his cancer diagnosis.
On Monday evening, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo immediate treatment. The monarch was last month diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and spent three days in hospital after undergoing a medical procedure for the benign condition.
It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. This second condition will now receive "appropriate treatment from a specialist team", Buckingham Palace announced last night.
Following the sad news of the King's ill health, Diana, Princess of Wales' former butler Mr Burrell has praised Queen Camilla, suggesting that she is the leading force behind King Charles going public with his diagnosis. Speaking on GB News, Mr Burrell said: "My thoughts are with the King and I wish him a very speedy and full recovery. I know from personal experience that this impact is on the whole family and in this case, it's on the whole nation.
“Millions are touched by cancer and the King is no exception to this now; he's joined that club. But what he's doing is brilliant. He is using his condition to get to other people. He's using the platform for the best possible reasons. It's changed a lot since the last monarchy: remember that no conditions were ever released by Buckingham Palace; they didn't talk about medical records.
“Many of us in our country are still blind as to what happened to our dear, late Queen. Things have moved on a great deal since the Queen's passing. I don't think it's a time to panic though. People have said that he's continuing with his work behind closed doors, and he seems to be in good spirits, and he's got the very best medical care."
Mr Burrell went on: "Camilla’s the steady hand on the tiller and she's the guiding force. And I think all this new movement of the King being so open - I think it's down to Camilla. I think she is the stabilizer. I think she has that touch. I think she's able to reach people in a way the King can't and I think she's taught him a lot in the last few years about monarchy and how to be King.
“Isn't that odd really, that she should come up through the ranks and be so supportive and such a stabilizing influence in our modern-day Royal Family," he added.
The King had been recuperating at his Sandringam estate in Norfolk before returning to London on Monday to commence treatment as an out-patient. The Royal Standard was flying above Buckingham Palace this evening, denoting the King was in residence. He is said to be feeling "wholly positive about his treatment".
Royal sources said the King "does not have prostate cancer" and his separate condition was only recently diagnosed in tests following hospital treatment for benign prostate enlargement. Sources said it was only due to the intervention on his prostate that his cancer was identified and that the King was tremendously grateful to the medical professionals for making a swift diagnosis.
Palace sources stressed on Monday evening that Charles' condition is not typical and his secondary diagnosis and treatment plan have not yet been confirmed by doctors. The statement from Buckingham Palace read: "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
"He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 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."
Charles is expected to take a prolonged period away from royal duties with no confirmation of when he would return. Palace officials confirmed the King would be looking forward to doing so as soon as possible and he will continue to receive his government Red Boxes as usual throughout his period of treatment.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
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