King Charles is generally very private when it comes to his health and private life. He recently made an exception, though. While visiting fellow cancer patients in hospital, he gave a rare update regarding his own battle with the disease.
King Charles spoke about his health while comforting cancer patients
King Charles visited the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick earlier this week. He was there on official business to open a new medical center, but also made time to chat with patients.
While speaking to Matthew Shinda, who is being treated for prostate cancer, the monarch said he was “not too bad” after being told he looked better, per the BBC.
Charles also had a brief exchange regarding the delays the patient had encountered while waiting for a diagnosis, “I’m very sorry about that, it’s so frustrating,” he said. He added that new advancements were being in made in treatment options, but they could be further “down the road.” Not exactly words to inspire hope in the patient.
On a lighter note, the sovereign also shared a joke with Mr. Shinda about drinking in hospital. “Do they allow you a tiny dram of whisky occasionally?” he asked. “I knew I should have brought one.” Charles also noted it was “supposed to be very good for the heart”.
Charles also met Jacqueline Page, a patient in the elderly care ward. She told the King her body is “wearing out”, to which he replied “I know, this is the terrible thing, as I am discovering already. The bits don’t work so well when you get past 70.”
The King began treatment for cancer early last year. His visit to the hospital comes amid chatter that he won’t meet son Prince Harry this month during the latter’s trip to the U.K.
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