King Charles won’t dwell on his illness and will approach the matter with a “positive” mindset, according to royal expert Ingrid Seward.
It was announced last Monday that the King, who acceded to the throne 17 months ago, has an unspecified form of cancer.
He was diagnosed after a “separate issue of concern was noted” and was investigated while he was being treated for a benign and unrelated prostate condition.
Speaking on GB News, Seward discussed the King’s condition, saying he will remain defiant in the face of the disease.
Ingrid Seward has backed Charles to approach his cancer diagnosis with a positive mindset
GB NEWS / POOL
“The King is very positive”, she said.
“He’s always been very wary about illness and he's not one of those people that dwells on illness.
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“He just pushes it aside, and I think he's being incredibly brave, but also I think he's very buoyed up by the support and the messages that he's received from the general public.
“I think he's rather pleased that by actually telling us all what's going on, he's brought more awareness to this problem that so many people suffer from various forms of cancer.”
Discussing the Monarch’s return to duties including meetings with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from the 21st February, Seward added: “I think he feels he's got to keep that up. So, public appearances are a must and he's the King, he's got to be seen.
“I think that's very encouraging and that he refuses to give in to fatigue because most people that have cancer treatment do suffer from fatigue, if nothing else. He just won't give into it.
King Charles was diagnosed with cancer GETTY
Ingrid Seward joined Andrew Pierce and Pip Tomson on GB News
GB NEWS
“It just shows you what a strong character he is. And of course, he's got this immense support from his wife, who's supported him throughout so many years. I just don't think without her he'd be nearly as strong as this.
“I'm sure that Queen Camilla will see to it that she will make him rest. I don't think he'll get away with just creeping back into his study and switching the lights on.
“I think she will make sure he rests because he needs to rest in order to recover.”
Charles has postponed all public-facing duties, but is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on his red boxes of state papers.
In a message to the public, Charles said: “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.
“As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.
“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 wider world.
“My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”