In a daring move, King Charles has demonstrated his deep affection for Princess Kate by seemingly taking a significant risk to address his beloved daughter-in-law's health concerns.
The 75-year-old's unprecedented statement regarding his health was reportedly crafted to shield the Queen-in-waiting, who is in recovery following a successful abdominal surgery.
Dr. Tessa Dunlop, a royal expert and historian, explained the monarch's astute strategy to safeguard the Princess of Wales, stating, "Here, have some information on me, but keep your prying eyes away from my daughter-in-law." She added, "Read side-by-side, the statements are a powerful example of well-coordinated PR. Here was a modern, public service Royal Family, but one with very clear boundaries."
Last week witnessed a dual royal health concern when it was revealed within a span of less than two hours that the Princess of Wales was recovering in the hospital after her surgery, and the King would undergo a procedure for an enlarged prostate.
While the nature of Kate's surgery remains undisclosed, Kensington Palace stated it was non-cancer related. In contrast, details of Charles' diagnosis have been made public as the King aims to raise awareness of the common condition among men.
"It is highly unusual for the Royal Family to divulge private health matters. In that respect, the shared information about the King's enlarged prostate was unprecedented, and it was also canny," noted Dunlop in an interview with The Mirror.
"Buckingham Palace doesn't do spontaneity; the release of a statement containing private matters about the King's health immediately after news of the Princess of Wales' major abdominal surgery was deliberate," she continued.
Dunlop further explained, "The timing deflected from his daughter-in-law's major operation; likewise, the private detail concerning his prostate gave the public something else to think about (The NHS website saw increased traffic on the subject). But beyond that obvious strategy, I believe there was something else at play. By sharing a slice of the personal, Charles's statement served to underline the absence of any real detail concerning Kate's condition."
Dr. Tessa Dunlop suggests that "it was actually an obvious move - in order to protect Princess Kate."
