Tag: King Charles

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King hands military role to Prince William

The king’s decision to hand the role to William was seen as a blow to Harry when it was announced last year….reports Asian Lite News

King Charles officially handed over the role of colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps to Prince William during a visit to its Hampshire airfield.

Charles – who became the inaugural holder of the title 32 years ago – met with his eldest son in a rare joint official engagement at the Middle Wallop base on Monday afternoon to transfer the role.

The Army Air Corps is the duke of sussex’s old unit, in which he served as an Apache helicopter commander and co-pilot gunner during his second tour to Afghanistan in 2012.

The king’s decision to hand the role to William was seen as a blow to Harry when it was announced last year.

The king said it was a “great joy” to meet servicemen, their families and veterans at an earlier visit to the Army Flying Museum but added the handover was “tinged with great sadness.” He said: “I do hope you’ll go from strength to strength in the future with the prince of wales as your new Colonel-in-Chief. The great thing is he’s a very good pilot indeed – so that’s encouraging.”

He unveiled a plaque commemorating an Apache AH Mk.1 going on display, the first of its kind to be installed at a UK museum.

The aircraft was one of four involved in a rescue mission during the Battle of Jugroom Fort in 2007. The king said: “Let me just say what a great joy it is to be with you even briefly on this occasion but also it is tinged with great sadness after 32 years of knowing you all, admiring your many activities and achievements through the time that I’ve been lucky enough to be colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps.”

General Nick Barton, who took part in the rescue operation, said it was a “unique honour” to meet the king who served as an important “figurehead” for the soldiers. Charles spoke to one veteran who had recently undergone chemotherapy for testicular cancer, discussing losing the sense of taste as a result of the treatment.

William embarked on his first engagement with the Army Air Corps after the king left, receiving a briefing on its work and inspecting training and operational aircraft as well as talking to soldiers. He was presented with a gift on behalf of the corps – a tartan scarf for the prince, a wrap for his wife Kate and three wooden helicopter models for the couple’s children.

He will later leave the base in an Apache as part of a capability flight. Kensington Palace posted two images of the prince during his military service on X, showing a young William in 1998 and 2009 – standing next to a helicopter in one picture and smiling at the controls in another.

Monday’s visit comes just days after Harry travelled to the United Kingdom to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games, without meeting up with his father and brother. The king trained with the Royal Air Force (RAF) while in his second year at the University of Cambridge and was given his wings in August 1971.

William served in the army with the Blues and Royals and was an RAF search and rescue pilot for three years at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales.

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King Charles III returns to public duties  

The National Health Service in England said the number of people seeking advice about prostate problems increased 11-fold in the weeks after Charles’ announced he was undergoing treatment…reports Asian Lite News

King Charles III returned to public duties on Tuesday, visiting a cancer treatment charity and beginning his carefully managed comeback after the monarch’s own cancer diagnosis sidelined him for three months.

The event was the king’s first formal public engagement since Feb. 6, when Buckingham Palace announced that he would be taking a break from public duties to focus on his treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.

Charles and Queen Camilla met with patients and staff at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London during their visit.

It was the first of several public appearances Charles is expected to make before a state visit by the emperor and empress of Japan in June.

It is unclear how many of the summer’s traditional royal events, including the king’s formal birthday parade and the horse racing at Royal Ascot, Charles will attend as his treatment continues. The palace said last week that doctors were “very encouraged” by the king’s progress, but his schedule would be adjusted as needed to protect his recovery.

For now, Tuesday’s appearance gave Charles another opportunity to raise awareness of the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other health problems as he has done throughout his illness.

Unlike most royals before him, Charles chose to publicly disclose details about his health when he first underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate and later when he was diagnosed with cancer. The decision raised awareness of these issues.

The National Health Service in England said the number of people seeking advice about prostate problems increased 11-fold in the weeks after Charles’ announced he was undergoing treatment.

The King has been refreshingly open about his health, particularly in comparison to his predecessors. His first major public engagement since his diagnosis is very much a continuation of his desire to raise awareness and encourage the public to seek advice if they notice any possible symptoms.

He leaned on his own recent personal experience when talking to medical teams as well as while connecting with patients and their families on Tuesday.

While being given a tour of the medical unit, which supports the identification and treatment of a wide range of cancer conditions, he was shown how CT scanners are helping with early detection. During his visit, he frequently asked questions and made comments about the importance of early diagnosis.

Later, he sat down with several cancer patients including Lesley Woodbridge, who was receiving chemotherapy as the monarch stopped by. While chatting, he told her, “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well,” according to the UK’s PA Media news agency. Charles himself has been receiving unspecified outpatient treatment over the last three months.

ALSO READ-King Charles makes Easter Church appearance amid cancer battle

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King Charles makes Easter Church appearance amid cancer battle

This year’s Easter celebration was more subdued, with fewer royals in attendance to minimise the King’s contact with others during his treatment…reports Asian Lite News

King Charles III made his most significant public appearance, his first since his recent cancer diagnosis, attending the traditional Easter Mattins church service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, CNN reported.

The King, 75, appeared in good spirits, arriving with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side.

The Easter service, a long-standing tradition in the royal calendar, typically sees the extended royal family gathering at Windsor Castle before proceeding to church together. On this occasion, the King’s attendance was particularly significant, drawing crowds of well-wishers eager to show their support.

As the royal couple made their way into the chapel, they waved joyfully to the gathered crowd, with one member of the public wishing them a “Happy Easter,” to which the King graciously responded, as reported by CNN.

Anne Daley, among those who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the monarch, travelled from Cardiff to show her support, noting the King’s wonderful appearance and his appreciation of the Welsh flag.

This year’s Easter celebration was more subdued, with fewer royals in attendance to minimise the King’s contact with others during his treatment.

Both the King and Queen sat apart from the main congregation during the service, echoing the separation observed by the late Queen Elizabeth II at Prince Philip’s funeral amid pandemic restrictions.

The King’s siblings, including Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew, were among the first to arrive with their respective families, signalling solidarity with the King during this challenging time.

Following the service, Queen Camilla was presented with a bouquet of flowers, and the royal couple delighted the crowd by engaging in a spontaneous walkabout, with the King stopping to chat and shake hands with well-wishers.

Despite his health challenges, the King has continued to fulfil his duties, albeit with a reduced public schedule. He has maintained a steady involvement in state affairs, attending to official matters and meeting with various dignitaries and community leaders.

In a recorded message for the Royal Maundy service, the King expressed his heartfelt commitment to serving the nation, despite his absence from the congregation, emphasising the special significance of the event to him.

While the King’s presence at the Easter service brought reassurance to many, there was a notable absence from the festivities–the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children. The Waleses have been facing their own health challenges, with Princess Catherine undergoing chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis.

The family’s decision to prioritise privacy during this difficult time has been met with understanding from the public, with a Kensington Palace spokesperson expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.

As the Waleses navigate this period of uncertainty, they have opted to spend the Easter holidays together, focusing on Catherine’s recovery. Prince William is expected to resume his public duties once their children have returned to school, CNN reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ-King Charles thanks public for support  

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King will attend Easter church service at Windsor

The announcement that the King, aged 75, will be at the Easter morning church service will be seen as an encouraging sign about his health…reports Asian Lite News

The King and Queen will attend the Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

This will be one of the most significant events King Charles will have attended since his cancer diagnosis last month. The King and Queen will be joined at the service by other senior royals.

But the Prince and Princess of Wales will not be there, as Catherine continues with her cancer treatment.

The announcement that the King, aged 75, will be at the Easter morning church service will be seen as an encouraging sign about his health.

He has continued to carry out meetings and kept up his work as head of state. But he has not been at public events this year, after having treatment for an enlarged prostate and later revealing that he had been diagnosed with a form of cancer.

The King will be with Queen Camilla, who has been carrying a number of solo royal engagements in her husband’s absence.

The Princess of Wales, who put out a video statement last week about being treated for cancer, is continuing her recovery. It had already been announced that she would not be at the Easter service at the church on the Windsor estate.

Her husband Prince William and their three children will also not be at St George’s Chapel on Sunday. There have been calls for her privacy and she will be spending more time out of public sight as she receives treatment.

The Easter church service is a regular feature of the royal calendar, usually attended by many senior royals, but this year it is expected to be a smaller gathering.

In the run-up to Easter, King Charles hosted a gathering of faith leaders in Buckingham Palace. The meeting on Tuesday was in support of a charity that brings together representatives of religious faiths, including Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders.

Building bridges between religions and encouraging tolerance has been a long-standing cause for King Charles.

ALSO READ-King Charles thanks public for support  

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King Charles thanks public for support  

On Monday, Buckingham Palace announced the King had been diagnosed with cancer while undergoing a procedure for an enlarged prostate…reports Asian Lite News

King Charles III has expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to the British public for their messages of support ever since his cancer diagnosis was revealed by Buckingham Palace this week.

The 75-year-old monarch wrote the message from his royal estate at Sandringham in Norfolk, eastern England, in which he also expressed his “lifelong admiration” for the work done by cancer charities.” The King said he was heartened that his personal experience of the disease had helped shine a light on the tireless care provided by cancer organisations around the world.

“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” reads the King’s message released by Buckingham Palace on Sunday.

“As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” he said.

“It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and the wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience,” he added.

On Monday, Buckingham Palace announced the King had been diagnosed with cancer while undergoing a procedure for an enlarged prostate.

In line with the initial announcement, the latest statement also does not reference any further details about what kind of cancer the monarch has been detected with, the type of treatment he is having or what stage the cancer is at.

Earlier, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had indicated that the cancer had been “caught early” as his customary weekly audiences with the King are expected to continue during the course of the treatment.

King Charles started his treatment in London before flying out to Sandringham with Queen Camilla, who revealed at an event that her husband was doing “extremely well” since the start of his treatment.

The palace has said it will not provide any further details about the diagnosis or the treatment.

In an official statement, it said that the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

The monarch has commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. However, he will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.

“His Majesty is grateful to his medical team for their expert care and swift intervention, is wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” Buckingham Palace said earlier this week.

“Regrettably, a number of the King’s forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence,” it said.

The King will continue to receive Red Boxes, which contain official papers for his review and sign-off, and process State documents as there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State – which include his wife Queen Camilla and son and heir Prince William. They are expected to divide the King’s public-facing duties between them during his treatment phase.

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King Charles diagnosed with cancer

King Charles is looking forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible….reports Asian Lite News

King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday.

The King of Britain has been advised by his doctors to postpone public-facing duties. He has already begun the schedule of regular treatments after the diagnosis.

However, he will continue to handle official documentation and state business as usual throughout this time.

“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,” the statement from Buckingham Palace read.

King Charles is looking forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

“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,” Buckingham Palace said.

“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,” it added.

Notably, the King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate last week in London.

The British monarch spent three nights at a private hospital, the London Clinic, near Regent’s Park, after being admitted there. He was said to be “doing well” following the procedure.

King Charles was crowned last year at the age of 74 after inheriting the monarchy upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. His health is generally understood to have been good. In 2008, he had a non-cancerous growth removed from his face.

According to Britain’s National Health Service, more than one in three British men will face some issues with prostate enlargement in their lifetime, and the condition is commonly associated with ageing. (ANI)

ALSO READ-King Charles III discharged from hospital

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King Charles to Deliver COP28 Opening Address

While in the UAE, the King will take the opportunity to have meetings with regional leaders, ahead of COP28….reports Asian Lite News

His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom will attend on Friday, 1st December 2023, the Opening Ceremony of the World Climate Action Summit at COP28 UAE, at the invitation of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and at the request of His Majesty’s Government.

The King will deliver an opening address at the Summit, hosted by the President of the UAE in Dubai, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday.

While in the UAE, the King will take the opportunity to have meetings with regional leaders, ahead of COP28.

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King Charles urges stronger France-UK ties on climate

Nearly 1,000 people are working to restore the cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture…reports Asian Lite News

King Charles III has pledged to do everything he can during his reign to strengthen the relationship between France and the United Kingdom, suggesting the two countries should team up to tackle the climate crisis.

“For the time that is granted to me as king, I pledge to do whatever I can to strengthen the indispensable relationship between the United Kingdom and France,” he told the French Senate in a keynote address on the second day of a three-day visit on Thursday.

The British monarch also suggested that Paris and London should team up to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies with a new version of the 1904 Entente Cordiale pact, which sealed the friendship between the two nations.

“I would like to propose it also becomes an ‘Entente pour la Durabilite’ [Partnership for Sustainability] in order to tackle the global climate and biodiversity emergency more effectively,” Charles told lawmakers in the upper chamber of the French Parliament.

French President Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s King Charles and Britain’s Queen Camilla attend a state banquet at the Palace of Versailles

At a lavish state banquet held at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday evening, Charles issued a similar call for France and the UK to reinvigorate their relations in comments echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron.

It is “incumbent upon us all to reinvigorate our friendship to ensure it is fit for the challenge of this, the 21st century”, Charles said in a toast.

Macron added: “Despite Brexit, … I know, your majesty, that we will continue to write part of the future of our continent together to meet the challenges and to serve the causes we have in common.”

“Our relations have, of course, not always been entirely straightforward,” Charles said in a speech in both English and accented but clearly spoken French that impressed his hosts.

But he set out an optimistic vision of the Entente Cordiale, calling it a “sustainable alliance”.

Later on Thursday, the British monarch will visit the northern Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis – home to the French national stadium used for the Rugby World Cup and the Olympics next year – where he is expected to see residents and sports stars.

At the Ile de la Cite in the river Seine, Charles, a keen gardener who once admitted he talked to his plants, will tour a flower market named after his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

From there, he will view renovation and reconstruction work at the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was partially destroyed by a fire in 2019.

French president’s wife Brigitte Macron, Britain’s Queen Camilla, Britain’s King Charles and French President Emmanuel Macron arrive for a state banquet at the Palace of Versailles

Nearly 1,000 people are working to restore the cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

After the fire, Charles said in an emotional message to Macron that he was “utterly heartbroken”, calling Notre-Dame “one of the greatest architectural achievements of Western civilisation”.

The Paris leg of the state visit wraps up with a formal farewell from Macron at the Elysee Palace.

The visit, which was rescheduled from March due to mass protests against French pension reforms, also aims to showcase Charles’s stature as a statesman just over a year after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The original itinerary in Paris and the southwestern city of Bordeaux is largely unchanged and is packed with ceremony and pomp in a country that abolished its monarchy in the 1789 revolution and executed its king.

ALSO READ-King Charles’ France trip fails to impress locals

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King Charles’ France trip fails to impress locals

King Charles and Queen Camilla were the honoured guests at a banquet at the resplendent Versailles Palace….reports Asian Lite News

King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, embarked on a state visit to France this week, aiming to mend relations between the UK and France. However, the enthusiasm from the French populace seems to be waning. A contrast has been drawn between King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth, with the latter being more favourably remembered for her allure and regality.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were the honoured guests at a banquet at the resplendent Versailles Palace. The feast featured a blend of English and French culinary delights, including blue lobster and Bresse poultry. However, the absence of the glamour that Queen Elizabeth once brought to such events was noted by Parisians.

Charles, like his mother, is fluent in French and is expected to reflect on the deep affinity the late queen had for France. But, to many in Paris, these gestures do little to ignite excitement or interest.

A retiree, Mireille Mauve, mentioned that Charles and Camilla do not share the same historical prominence as the late queen.

“He’s just the son, they are old already, we don’t have a long history,” Reuters quoted him as saying.

He believes Camilla is “not so enchanting, she’s a bit dull with her discourse. All this combined together doesn’t create much interest”.

In the UK, recent polls indicate that King Charles is not as revered as his late mother although 60% of the populace still holds a favourable view of him. However, younger Britons are increasingly critical, not just of Charles but also of the concept of the monarchy.

Alexia Aubert, a 15-year-old Parisian, articulated a similar sentiment, saying the British Royal Family had lost much of its symbolic importance since the passing of Queen Elizabeth.

“I think since Elizabeth died, the Royal Family isn’t as important as it was, King Charles isn’t as important and symbolic as Elizabeth, so it doesn’t really matter if he comes or not,” Reuters quoted Alexia as saying.

Edouard Val de Lievre, a local carpenter, sees the British monarchy as merely “part of the folklore in England”.

“He represents the English population but that’s all, nothing special for me,” he added.

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King Charles III’s special Coronation coins enter circulation

The obverse or heads side of the 50p features the King’s official coin portrait, which was unveiled in September last year and designed by renowned British sculptor Martin Jennings and personally approved by Charles…reports Asian Lite News

A special 50 pence coin created to mark King Charles III’s Coronation in May will start to appear in circulation across the UK from Thursday.

Britain’s Royal Mint said the Post Office and bank branches throughout the country will receive 5 million 50p coins, which feature a design to celebrate the 74-year-old British monarch’s Coronation on May 6.

This is the second 50p to enter circulation bearing the King’s official coin portrait, the first being a memorial coin which entered circulation in December last year to mark the historic transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III.

“This is a special moment for the nation, as members of the public will have the opportunity to find a piece of history in their change,” said Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint.

“We anticipate the Coronation 50p coins will be highly sought after among coin collectors and members of the public keen to own a piece of British history. The Royal Mint has had the honour of striking coins for every British monarch since Alfred the Great and we are proud to continue that long history with the introduction of His Majesty’s official coinage,” she said.

The reverse or tails side of the new 50p, designed by Royal Mint Coin Designer Natasha Jenkins, features the historic Westminster Abbey in London, in a nod to the location of the King’s Coronation. At the centre of the design is the King’s official cypher, representing him at the Abbey being crowned the monarch.

The obverse or heads side of the 50p features the King’s official coin portrait, which was unveiled in September last year and designed by renowned British sculptor Martin Jennings and personally approved by Charles.

All 50p coins entering circulation will feature the King’s uncrowned portrait, differing from the commemorative Coronation coins that were unveiled to the public earlier this year.

Earlier this year, the Royal Mint unveiled a commemorative coin range marking the King’s Coronation which it says has proved popular around the world and saw collectors from 89 countries purchasing them.

All UK coins bearing the effigy of Charles’ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, will remain legal tender and in active circulation. Historically, it has been commonplace for coins featuring the effigies of different monarchs to co-circulate in the UK. This ensures a smooth transition, with minimal environmental impact and cost.

There are approximately 27 billion coins currently circulating in the UK bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. These will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn and to meet demand for additional coins, the Royal Mint said.

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