The double cancer blow to Kate and King Charles leaves Britain’s royal family depleted and strained
LA TimesThe Princess of Wales’ disclosure that she has cancer and will take time off to recover leaves the ranks of working royals depleted and strains a monarchy that King Charles III has sought to slim down. The engagements help fulfill the maxim of the late Queen Elizabeth II that the royal family must be “seen to be believed.” “This is a historic monarchy that thrives on interacting with people,” royal historian Robert Hardman told Sky News. Claudia Joseph, author of “Kate: The Making of a Princess,” said that the Prince and Princess of Wales are social-media-savvy, but that dealing with the online world is “a learning curve.” Joseph said the royal family is still dealing with the “big shock” of Harry and Meghan’s departure. Their retreat from royal duties in 2020 — spurred, they said, by relentless press intrusion and a lack of support from the palace — “depleted the younger ranks.” Despite that, she said public sympathy and the royals’ sense of duty would see the monarchy through its latest crisis. “I’m sure in six months’ time when they have recovered, hopefully, people will forget that they weren’t around for a few months.” In her video message, Catherine said that her work “has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I am able.” “But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery,” she said.