King Charles’ cancer diagnosis has shocked the world and raised many questions about his health and lifestyle. The 75-year-old monarch revealed on Monday that he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, which was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. He has started a schedule of regular treatments and has been advised by his doctors to postpone public-facing duties for the time being.
While Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the type or stage of the King’s cancer, some theories have emerged about the possible causes and risk factors of his condition. One of the most speculated topics is whether or not the King is a smoker, as smoking is known to increase the risk of various cancers, especially lung cancer.
A History of Smoking in the Royal Family
The royal family has a history of smoking problems and death by cancer. King George VI, the King’s grandfather, was a heavy smoker who died of lung cancer at the age of 56 in 1952. His eldest son, King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936, was also a smoker who died of throat cancer at the age of 77 in 1972.
The King’s father, Prince Philip, was also a smoker in his youth, but he quit in 1964 after witnessing the death of his father-in-law, King George VI. He reportedly gave up his habit as a wedding gift to his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, who has never smoked. Prince Philip, who died last year at the age of 99, suffered from various health issues in his later years, including a heart condition and an infection.
The King’s siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, are also non-smokers, according to reports. However, some of his cousins, such as Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra, have been seen smoking in public.
Did King Charles Smoke?
The King himself has never been a smoker, according to his biographer, Jonathan Dimbleby. In his 1994 book, The Prince of Wales: A Biography, Dimbleby wrote that the King “has never smoked a cigarette in his life”. He also noted that the King was “appalled” by the smoking habits of his parents and grandparents, and that he was “determined to avoid the same fate”.
The King has also been an advocate of healthy living and environmental causes. He has promoted organic farming, alternative medicine, and climate action. He has also been a patron of various charities and organizations that support cancer research and prevention, such as Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Marie Curie.
Other Possible Risk Factors
While smoking is a major risk factor for many types of cancer, it is not the only one. There are other factors that may contribute to the development of cancer, such as genetics, age, diet, alcohol, obesity, infections, radiation, and exposure to certain chemicals or substances.
The King’s cancer diagnosis may also be related to his treatment for benign prostate enlargement, which he underwent last month at the London Clinic. According to the Palace, a “separate issue of concern” was noted during his intervention and was subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. It is not clear what kind of procedure the King had, but some common treatments for prostate enlargement include surgery, medication, or minimally invasive therapies.
Some of these treatments may have side effects or complications that could increase the risk of cancer. For example, surgery may cause bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby organs. Medication may cause hormonal changes, sexual dysfunction, or allergic reactions. Minimally invasive therapies may cause inflammation, infection, or scarring.
Charles’s Smoking Status
The Palace has not confirmed or denied whether King Charles has ever smoked or still smokes. However, there are some clues and rumors that suggest that he may have been a smoker at some point in his life. For instance, in 2018, a biography of King by Tom Bower claimed that he used to smoke up to 12 cigarettes a day in his youth, but quit after his marriage to Queen Camilla in 2005.
The book also alleged that he occasionally smoked cigars and pipes, especially when he was stressed or depressed. In 2019, a photo of Charles holding a cigarette case during a visit to Cuba sparked speculation that he was still a smoker. However, the Palace denied that the case contained cigarettes, and said that it was a gift from a Cuban official.
In 2020, a video of King coughing during a speech raised concerns that he had lung problems due to smoking. However, the Palace dismissed the cough as a minor irritation, and said that he had tested negative for COVID-19. In 2021, a report by the Daily Mail claimed that Charles had secretly resumed smoking after his stroke, and that Queen Camilla was worried about his health. However, the Palace did not comment on the report, and no other sources confirmed it.
His Cancer Type and Treatment
The Palace has not revealed what type of cancer King Charles has, or what kind of treatment he is receiving. It only said that he does not have prostate cancer, and that he has started a schedule of regular treatments. Some experts have speculated that he may have bladder cancer, kidney cancer, or lung cancer, based on his age, gender, and symptoms.
However, these are only guesses, and no definitive diagnosis has been made public. The Palace has also not disclosed how serious or advanced his cancer is, or what his prognosis is. It only said that he is in good spirits, and that he hopes to resume his public duties soon.
The King’s Prognosis and Treatment
The Palace has not revealed any details about the King Charles’ prognosis or treatment, except that he does not have prostate cancer and that he will receive appropriate treatment as an outpatient. The King has reportedly begun a “schedule of regular treatments” on Monday and has been in contact with his family and close advisers.
The type and outcome of the King’s treatment will depend on the type and stage of his cancer, as well as his overall health and preferences. Some of the common treatments for cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. These treatments may have different goals, such as curing the cancer, controlling its growth, or relieving its symptoms.
The King’s treatment may also affect his ability to perform his royal duties and engagements. The Palace said that the King has been advised by his doctors to postpone public-facing duties for the time being, but that he will continue to work on matters of state from his residence at Sandringham. The King has also retired to Sandringham, the same place where his grandfather George VI died 72 years ago today.
The King Charles’ diagnosis has sparked an outpouring of support and sympathy from the public, the media, and the political leaders. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “saddened” by the news and wished the King a “speedy recovery”. Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer said he was “thinking of the King and his family” and hoped he would “get well soon”. Many people also took to social media to express their concern and solidarity with the King and his family.
The King’s cancer diagnosis is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of health and wellness. It also raises awareness of the need for more research and funding for cancer prevention and treatment. As the King faces this challenging time, he can count on the love and support of his family, his country, and the world.
