He’s 76 and has been undergoing treatment for cancer for more than a year. But good luck trying to get the King to slow down.
When asked in the middle of their jam-packed whirlwind trip to Italy if her husband had any plans to take it easy, Queen Camilla laughed and replied, “Dream on!”
His wife knows how difficult it is to get Charles to cut down on his hectic workload. She and his aides have tried to no avail. He loves his work and it keeps him going, especially since doctors diagnosed him with cancer, Camilla, 77, told media during the trip to Rome and Ravenna.
“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!”
When it was suggested that flying the flag for the UK on overseas visits made him happy, she nodded and said, “That’s what he’s driven by, helping others.”
The King and Queen made the trip to Italy at the request of the British government, which wants to strengthen ties with key European and NATO partners.
Charles had his weekly cancer treatment on the day before they left. He appeared to be in good health during the visit, even though it had been only 12 days since he had to go to the hospital for observation after suffering side effects from the regime he is undergoing.
And it appears the health setback has only strengthened his resolve to do as much as he can, says an aide. “He’s more determined than ever to crack on with things.”
The visit was deemed a huge success, with large cheering crowds turning out to see the royal couple when they visited landmarks such as the Colosseum in Rome and the tomb of the writer Dante in Ravenna. The King received two standing ovations during a 22-minute speech he gave to the Italian Parliament. He was said to be “deeply moved” by the enthusiastic reception.
One of the highlights for Charles and Camilla was a brief meeting with Pope Francis. They had previously announced that they would not be able to see the 88-year-old pontiff, who was still unwell after a stint in hospital with pneumonia. But he was able to meet them in secret at the last minute.
The King managed to put his feet up for a bit after they returned to the UK. The couple headed straight for Birkhall, their holiday home on the Balmoral estate. There, they spent time together out of the spotlight. However, they did make a public appearance at a nearby church, where they attended the Sunday service.
Charles has already been talking to his staff about other overseas trips. Visits to Canada, India, Pakistan and Antigua are on the cards. Aides tasked with filling his diary know there’s no point in suggesting cutting back.
“We’ve all tried,” says one. “But as people will have seen, the King enjoys his work and he enjoys engaging with as many people as possible. And in this role, as when he was the Prince of Wales, he knows he is fortunate to be in a position to make a difference and feels determined to do just that.”
What do you buy a King?
Their Majesties celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in Italy but waited until they returned to the UK to exchange presents.
Camilla revealed they didn’t want to speed through the gift-giving part of their big day, which they spent in Rome carrying out official engagements and attending a state banquet.
“We’re going to do that [giving gifts] when we get back,” she told UK media. “Otherwise you have to rush it. You don’t have time to say anything.”
Camilla wouldn’t disclose what she’d bought Charles but did drop a big hint. “Ah, yes, well I have got something. Because it’s china [the traditional gift for a 20th anniversary].”
There’s a good chance it was Wemyss Ware, a popular type of Scottish pottery that the King collects.
Asked about their two decades of marriage, the Queen said, “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. Laughing at the same things, getting on with life.”
She also talked about their busy schedules keeping them apart. “We are always going in different directions, like ships that pass in the night really. We whizz past each other.”
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