Richard Kay tells PALACE CONFIDENTIAL Charles used his cancer announcement to ‘slap down’ William’s supporters by sending a ‘hidden message’ that says ‘while I’m King, we’re going to do it my way’

The King’s announcement that his cancer treatment is being reduced had a ‘hidden message’ for his critics, one of the Daily Mail’s royal experts claimed today.

Charles revealed the major boost in his battle with cancer in a video message a week ago, saying his treatment will be significantly scaled back in the New Year.

The monarch said in the positive update on December 12 that the ‘good news’ was down to early diagnosis, successful care and following ‘doctors’ orders’.

Richard Kay, the Mail’s senior editor-at-large, said in the latest Palace Confidential episode that the King primarily gave the speech because his treatment is changing.

But he added that there was also a nod towards critics of Charles amid ongoing speculation of how the monarchy could change when William becomes king.

Speaking to presenter Jo Elvin, Mr Kay told the programme: ‘There’s been a lot of chatter around the Royal Family and the monarchy over the last few months.

‘People (are) speculating about what kind of monarch Prince William is going to make and what kind of changes he might be introducing when he gets his opportunity.

‘It was just a little reminder that the King saying: ‘Hello, I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere. And while I’m King, we’re going to do it my way.’ I think that might just slap down one or two people who have been a little forward in their views.’

Mr Kay also described the announcement as ‘a wonderful bulletin about his health battle and how he’s powering through and making great strides to getting better’. 

He said it was a ‘very uplifting, encouraging pre-Christmas message and he was very open, I thought, about the battles he’s had, the diagnosis’, adding that there was also a ‘hidden message there too about cancer and the need to get people examined’.

It follows claims of tensions between Charles and William which emerged over the summer – with Prince Harry’s wish to reconcile with his family also at its heart.

Former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown also alleged that Charles was becoming frustrated by William’s ‘underwhelming’ approach to royal duties.

But the King and William have put on a united front in public in recent months and were also agreed on the decision to banish Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and strip him of all his titles.

William set out his own approach about his future role as king in a chat with Eugene Levy for Apple TV+ in October, saying ‘change is on my agenda – change for good’.

The Prince said: ‘I want to question things more’ – but insisted Kate and their three children were central to his world as ‘the most important thing in my life is family’.

Charles has been receiving cancer treatment as an outpatient since early February 2024, believed to be weekly visits to the London Clinic, but these sessions are to be significantly cut back next month.

Richard Kay, the Daily Mail’s senior editor-at-large, speaks in the latest Palace Confidential 

(From left) Richard Eden, Richard Kay, Rebecca English and Jo Elvin on Palace Confidential

He described in the recent video message how from his own experience ‘a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming’ and paid tribute to the ‘community of care’ – specialists, nurses, researchers and volunteers – surrounding every patient.

Charles said: ‘Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.

‘Now, I have heard this message repeatedly during my visits to cancer centres across the country. I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment.

‘Indeed, today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year.’

His video message was aired during a Channel 4 night of comedy, entertainment and awareness-raising for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, a joint initiate between the broadcaster and Cancer Research UK, which the King supports as patron, to raise funds and promote cancer screening.

Charles also praised ‘remarkable advances’ in cancer care that made his positive health update possible but it is not known what form his treatment takes.

The King’s cancer diagnosis was announced on February 6 last year and he postponed all public-facing engagements for almost three months.

The Daily Mail’s front page last Saturday after the King’s update on his cancer treatment

William set out his own approach about his future role as king in a chat with Eugene Levy (pictured) for Apple TV+ in October, saying ‘change is on my agenda – change for good’

The previous month, Charles spent three nights in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which time his cancer – not prostate cancer – was discovered.

His form of cancer has not been disclosed on the advice of experts so he can engage with all cancer patients, and it is not known how long he will require treatment.

Charles stepped up his workload at the start of the year following positive progress with his cancer care and that has continued, despite what a source described at the time as a ‘minor bump’ of spending a short stay in hospital after experiencing temporary cancer treatment side effects in March.

In April, the King poignantly reflected in a personal written message on his experience of cancer, saying it had brought into ‘sharp focus the very best of humanity’ and telling cancer charities: ‘You have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.’

Then in May, a senior royal aide said the King may be living with cancer but they had seen ‘no difference’ in Charles and his life was ‘as normal as possible’ as he continued with a busy schedule.

The same month, on an away day to Bradford, the King was asked by florist Safeena Khan about his health and replied with a thumbs-up and told her ‘I’d like to think I’m on the better side (of my cancer journey)’.