LONDON.- He king Charles III shook hands and spoke with the public after attending a mass on Sunday with the queen and other members of the royal family. Easter in the castle Windsor, in his most significant public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer last month.
The king, in a dark coat and bright blue tie, smiled as he greeted those gathered outside St. George’s Chapel for about five minutes, shaking hands with people brandishing well-wishing cards and taking photos on a cold day. spring. “You are very brave, standing here in the middle of the cold,” the monarch told those present.
“Stay strong,” a person in the crowd told him as Charles and Queen Camilla passed by.
The appearance of the 75-year-old king was interpreted as an attempt to reassure the population after Charles withdrew from public duties following an announcement from Buckingham Palace in early February that he was being treated for an unspecified form of of cancer.
Revs in the monarchy
The king has continued to work privately, reviewing government documents and meeting the prime minister. But his presence at a regular public event of the crown such as the Easter mass was considered an indication that he is beginning to return to the public eye. British media published last week that the monarch would begin to increase his actions after Easter.
The ceremony itself was less crowded than usual, as Kate, Princess of Wales, is also undergoing cancer treatment and has stopped making public appearances. The princess, her husband, Prince William, and her children will not attend the event.
Kate’s surprise announcement that she, too, has cancer came on March 22 after weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts following major abdominal surgery in February.
The king’s forced absence from public view has been a setback for a man eager to leave his mark on the crown after waiting almost 74 years longer than any previous heir to become king.
When he succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles focused on the herculean task of proving that a monarchy with a thousand years of history remains relevant in a modern nation whose citizens come from all corners of the planet. After less than two years on the throne, the king continues to define himself before the public and tries to convince young people and members of minorities that the royal family can represent them.
King’s Responsibilities
Although the duties of a constitutional monarch are largely ceremonial, the tasks of a member of the royal family can be exhausting.
In addition to the occasional parade with all the royal pageantry, there are meetings with political leaders, tribute ceremonies and events that recognize the achievements of British citizens. Charles’s first year on the throne totaled 161 days of official events.
The palace has worked hard to keep the king in the public eye, although he has been trying to limit his contacts so as not to catch an infection while receiving treatment. The Palace has released videos of the king reading well-wishes cards and meeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The monarch has also attended a meeting of the “Privy Council”, a conclave of prominent advisors.
Although he missed a religious service on Thursday, Charles issued a pre-recorded audio message in which he regretted missing the service, which is usually attended by the monarch.
The king reiterated his promise made on the day of his coronation that: “I am not here to be served but to serve.”
“It’s what I have always tried to do and continue doing, with all my heart,” he said.
FUENTE: AP
