Queen Camilla knows that despite his cancer battle, her husband, King Charles III, will keep fulfilling his work commitments — for better or for worse.
“I think he loves his work and it keeps him going,” Camilla, 77, told U.K. journalists covering the royal couple’s four-day trip to Italy last week, according to Hello magazine. “And I think it’s wonderful, you know, if you’ve been ill and you are recovering, you’re getting better and now he wants to do more and more and more.”
“That’s the problem,” she added of Charles, 76. “That’s what he’s driven by. Helping others.”
The queen’s words were echoed by a senior Buckingham Palace official, who suggested those around Charles have tried to adapt his busy work schedule as he undergoes treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. But, the official said, Charles “enjoys” meeting people and was “determined” to make a difference despite his health setbacks.
King Charles ‘Won’t Do What He’s Told’ Amid Cancer Battle, Camilla Jokes
Charles has continued to carry out his state duties and public engagements in recent months, only having one setback in March when he was hospitalized following “temporary side effects” from his cancer treatment.
“Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, The King experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital,” the palace said in a statement at the time. “His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were, therefore, postponed.”
The king soon returned to Clarence House to recuperate, but additional commitments were also postponed the next day.
“As a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary program will also be rescheduled,” the palace added. “His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
Charles, who announced his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, recently rescheduled some appointments ahead of his Italy trip so he could rest before the packed travel week. He seemed in good spirits during the visit, and even celebrated his and Camilla’s 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, April 9, with a private reception at the Vatican.
They received well wishes from Pope Francis, who has also recently been recovering from health issues.
“A special moment for Their Majesties as they privately met His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican yesterday,” Buckingham Palace shared via X early Thursday, April 10.
“The King and Queen were deeply touched by The Pope’s kind remarks about their 20th wedding anniversary and honoured to be able to share their best wishes to him in person,” the palace’s post continued.
Wednesday’s visit came amid a tight itinerary for the royals, which also included a state banquet hosted by Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella at Quirinale Palace in Rome.
Charles acknowledged his anniversary in a speech thanking the president and other dignitaries during the dinner. “Today marks, as you say, the Queen’s and my 20th wedding anniversary. On that score, I must say it really is very good of you, Mr. President, to lay on this small romantic, candle-lit dinner for two…,” Charles reportedly quipped.
Camilla also spoke about their long-lasting marriage in a rare personal interview with reporters ahead of President Mattarella’s dinner.
“Twenty years, who could believe it was 20 years? What is the secret? I don’t know…well…I suppose it’s just sort of friendship, really,” Camilla said. “Laughing at the same things, getting on with life. I suppose doing this,” she added, gesturing to the school where she was meeting young children learning about Paddington Bear, “takes up most of the time.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla Will Travel to Italy for 20th Anniversary
Camilla and Charles tend to be apart as they conquer many royal engagements, with Camilla adding, “We are always going in different directions, like ships that pass in the night really. We whizz past each other. In fact we have got a bit of a catch-up this afternoon.”
Charles and Camilla married on April 9, 2005, in a civil wedding at Windsor Guildhall in Windsor, England. The couple were later joined by Charles’ late parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, for a service of prayer at St George’s Chapel and a reception at Windsor Castle.
Before his marriage to Camilla, Charles was married to Princess Diana from 1981 to 1996. The former couple shared two children, Prince William, 42, and Prince Harry, 40.
Camilla, meanwhile, was married to British Army officer Andrew Parker Bowles from 1973 to 1995. They share two children, Tom Parker Bowles, 50, and Laura Lopes, 47.
