Queen Camilla has revealed that King Charles has no intention of easing his demanding royal schedule despite his ongoing cancer treatment. Speaking candidly during their recent state visit to Italy, the Queen described her husband’s unwavering devotion to his role as monarch as the very thing that “keeps him going.”
Camilla shared insights into the King’s mindset and recovery, stating, “He loves his work and it keeps him going. That’s what he’s driven by — helping others.” Even as Charles, aged 76, continues to receive weekly cancer treatment and recently faced hospitalisation due to side effects from medication, he remains steadfast in his commitment to public service.
A new photo of The King and Queen was taken to mark their 20th wedding anniversary after they arrived in Rome for the Italy State Visit. (Royal Family)
The royal couple’s State Visit to Italy – packed with 20 engagements in just four days across Rome and Ravenna, including an Audience with Pope Francis – was a demonstration of what Palace officials are calling “soft power at its best”. The tour, requested by the British government, aimed to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Despite medical challenges, the King ensured his treatment was scheduled around the trip, receiving care on Sunday evening before departing for Italy the next day. This intense level of dedication, aides say, is nothing new. “He enjoys his work, he enjoys engaging with as many people as possible,” one senior royal official remarked. “In this role, as when Prince of Wales, he knows he is fortunate to be in a position to make a difference, and is determined to do just that.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla met the Pope during their visit to Italy. (Royal Family)
When asked whether she and palace aides had attempted to persuade the King to slow down, Queen Camilla burst into laughter. “Dream on! Dream. On,” she joked. She noted that his passion for work has not only provided a sense of purpose during a difficult year but also contributed to his healing process.
“It’s wonderful,” she said. “If you’ve been ill and you are recovering, and now he wants to do more and more… that’s the problem!”
The King and Queen undertook 20 engagements during their visit to Italy. (Royal Family)
Sources within the Royal Household have confirmed that Charles and Camilla will undertake further state visits throughout the year, both within the UK and abroad. High-profile tours to the United States and Canada are already being planned for next spring. Notably, a visit to Canada – where Charles is Head of State – was postponed last year due to his cancer diagnosis but is expected to be rescheduled after the country’s upcoming general election.
The King’s connection to Canada remains strong. “He’s always supported Canada. What could perhaps otherwise be seen as normal expressions of support are being noticed more – but showing support for Canada is something he’s always done and will continue to do.”
The backdrop of the King’s unrelenting schedule is a period of both personal and national significance. While celebrating 20 years of marriage during the Italian tour, Charles and Camilla also took a few days of rest at Birkhall, their residence on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.
Charles and Camilla pose in an official photograph ahead of their wedding anniversary. (Royal Family)
Diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, King Charles returned to public-facing duties in April of the same year, just weeks after a brief hospital stay. Medical experts overseeing his care are reportedly satisfied with his progress and have not restricted his ability to continue working.
“He’s achieving so much,” one palace official said. “He has a voracious appetite for reading and learning — and he uses that to inform his work. Since this reign began, he’s showing just how much of a difference a monarch can make.”
In Queen Camilla’s words, “That’s what he’s driven by — helping others.”
