He’s been putting on a brave face for the public, but King Charles’ cancer side effect is something no one was expecting. Less than two weeks before his diagnosis was revealed to the public, the king had undergone a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. Additional diagnostic tests revealed that a “form of cancer” was present, though the palace did not reveal the exact kind.
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During a visit to the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop, the king spoke with British Army veteran Aaron Mapplebeck, who’d undergone treatment for testicular cancer. Mapplebeck revealed that he’d lost his sense of taste during chemotherapy and the King revealed it happened to him too, per the Daily Mail.
According to Australia’s Cancer Council, a loss of taste is common during chemotherapy. “It’s common to have changes in taste during treatment and for a short time afterward. It may take several months for your sense of taste to return to normal. In some cases, taste changes may be permanent. Most changes will get better with time, but this depends on what type of treatment you have and where the cancer is in your body.”
Buckingham Palace announced the King would mark an official return to royal duties “after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis” and marked the milestone by visiting a cancer treatment center on April 30, 2024.
“Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year,” the Palace said in a statement at the time.
According to multiple sources quoted by The Daily Beast, the King’s health is “not good” and plans for his funeral in the event of his death are constantly being updated under the code name: Operation Menai Bridge.
One old friend of the family revealed, “Of course, he is determined to beat it and they are throwing everything at it. Everyone is staying optimistic, but he is really very unwell. More than they are letting on.” Another source, who knows a senior official involved in the planning of royal funerals, said: “They are looking at every aspect of Menai Bridge. The queen’s funeral went like clockwork and set a high bar. It’s not an emotional thing, it’s a job, one taken very seriously, and understandably no one plans to get caught out.”
