Royal insider's bombshell new King Charles cancer claim: 'A scare before'

Royal author Robert Hardman has revealed what King Charles was like behind-the-scenes after being diagnosed with cancer 10 months ago.

King Charles' cancer diagnosis has reportedly reminded him of the 'fragility' of his existence. Photo: Getty
King Charles' cancer diagnosis has reportedly reminded him of the 'fragility' of his existence. Photo: Getty

Royal historian and author Robert Hardman has made the bombshell claim that King Charles faced a cancer scare previously but the "details about it have not been revealed".

The scare was before the King was diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer, which was announced almost 10 months ago and he is still undergoing treatment for.

The royal insider also spoke of how the monarch's cancer diagnosis has reminded King Charles and his courtiers of the "fragility" of his existence. However, he adds that he has been "buoyed up" by his "strong sense of spirituality".

Hardman, the author of Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story told the Daily Beast of how it was "a big shock" within the royal household when both Charles and Kate Middleton announced they were diagnosed with cancer.

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"The royal household was aware of what was going on before the public," said Hardman.

"There was a sense of fragility—things had been going well, and then suddenly they were hit by this news. But he was very matter of fact about it, with no panic. He has a strong sense of spirituality that buoyed him up. He’s brave."

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"The prognosis is that he will get through this, and he’s getting better. Of course, we know cancer can recur, but they caught it early," he said, adding William is well-equipped to take on the role of king when the time comes.

Prince William accidentally let some fresh information about King Charles and Kate Middleton's cancer battles. Photo: Getty
Prince William accidentally let some fresh information about King Charles and Kate Middleton's cancer battles. Photo: Getty

It comes after Prince William disclosed some information about Charles and Kate's cancer battles. During his recent appearance in South Africa for the Earthshot Prize, William gave a surprisingly emotional interview, describing the past year as "brutal" following the diagnoses.

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"Honestly, it’s been dreadful," William told reporters, adding that it has probably been "the hardest year of my life".

"So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult," William added. "But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal."

Both Charles and Kate have not shared what specific cancer they are battling, but both took some time to step away from public appearances for a short period while focusing on treatment and recovery. Charles returned to work two months after revealing his diagnosis, while Kate is only now slowly returning to public duties.

Kate had her first official engagement last weekend after taking time off for chemotherapy. Photo: Getty
Kate had her first official engagement last weekend after taking time off for chemotherapy. Photo: Getty

William did, however, sound optimistic for 2025, telling reporters, "I think hopefully Catherine will be doing a bit more next year, so we’ll have some more trips maybe lined up."

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When one reporter mentioned that William appeared relaxed, he responded, "I couldn’t be less relaxed this year, so it’s very interesting you’re all seeing that.

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"But it’s more a case of just crack on and you’ve got to keep going," he said. "I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family, too."

According to The Telegraph, sources close to William have revealed his outlook is more positive now that Kate and Charles "have moved into the next phase of their cancer journeys".

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