In the UK, one question still lingers: How serious is King Charles III's health?
With all the rumors circulating, there is a reality that is even more grim than the official statement. Despite the inquiry, the king's aides kept their mouths shut, citing a "non-disclosure" policy on their health.
Since Charles disclosed his cancer diagnosis, a veil of secrecy has shrouded the specifics, leaving the public to speculate only about the severity of his condition.
According to British media on April 25, the king never revealed what specific type of cancer he was diagnosed with, only that it was not prostate cancer. It is understood that he regularly travels to London to receive radiation therapy, which can be used to treat many different types of cancer.
However, Charles's health was not just a private matter; In the midst of these whispers, preparations for the funeral of his eventual death are underway. There are reports hinting at a nuanced update of the funeral plan, reminiscent of the last days of the late Queen Elizabeth.
Behind the scenes, officials are scrutinizing the multifaceted "Meenai Bridge" documents, considering the complexities of Charles's funeral arrangements.
All members of the British royal family use bridge-based codes when they die, and Queen Elizabeth's death plan is known as "Operation London Bridge". And the Menai Bridge is a striking suspension bridge that connects Anglesey Island to mainland Wales.
While some remain optimistic, the reality of his deteriorating health is clouded by a haze that insiders hint at an ominous premonition.
For example, an old friend of the royal family told The Daily Beast, "Of course he's determined to defeat it, and they're giving it their all." Everyone remained optimistic, but his physical condition was really bad. More than they revealed. ”
Multiple sources say royal officials are now regularly reviewing copies of the hundreds of pages of "Menai Bridge" document, fueling pessimism.
A source (a former staff member who is in active contact with the current courtier) said: "The plans have been re-settled and are being actively kept updated. Given that the king was diagnosed with cancer, it's not more than you might think, but their circulation does raise eyebrows. ”
Another source who knows senior officials involved in planning the royal funeral said: "Of course, they are considering all aspects of the Menai Bridge. The Queen's funeral went smoothly and set high standards. It's not an emotional thing, it's a job, a job that is taken very seriously, and understandably, no one intends to get caught. ”
A British military source said the plans had been under constant scrutiny, but that any interpretation of this fact would be "ridiculous".
"All the military has to do is prepare for the worst," he added, adding: "You have to remember the scale of this." The House Division, led by Major General James Balder, was spearheaded, that is, the Seven Guards Regiments. Then there was the entire London area, the Territorial Army Regiment and the Household Cavalry Artillery Regiment. Charles has been close to the paratrooper for many years, so they will be involved. ”
"It's just a ceremonial end. Then you need a massive security operation because every VVIP on the planet is there. We are talking about everything from missile defense to protection against lone wolf attacks. The whole thing went from a flash in less than two weeks, which means that every aspect of it needs to be carefully planned in advance. On the second day of the burial of the Queen, serious planning for Charles's funeral began. ”
Amid this uncertainty, the British media has struck a delicate balance, keeping in mind strict medical privacy rules. Despite hints and hints from foreign media, domestic reports of Charles's health surrounded by a veil of silence are a clear testament to the news coverage of sensitive issues.
For example, Tina Brown, the founding editor of the Daily Beast, known for her impeccable royal connections, wrote in the New York Times: "The news of Charles' cancer came out almost at the same time, which sent William and Catherine close to the throne in horror as they ascended the throne." They have wanted to raise children for years away from the public eye. As far as I know, this prospect causes them intense anxiety. ”
As for Charles's true situation, the palace has hardly provided any official updates, but there is a lot of speculation on the way.
Most notably, Charles shook hands with the crowd 56 times outside St George's Chapel in Windsor after a huge and encouraging effort to greet the public during Easter, and for the three weeks since, Charles has largely disappeared from public view.
Since then, he has looked haggard when people see him when he is taken to London for treatment in a ceremonial vehicle with large windows, which he has been using to make sure people see him. More promisingly, he drove to Scotland on Sunday for church events.
These events provide a glimpse into his physical condition. The importance of the rumours of his participation in the "Condolence Color" and his participation in the Royal Ascot tournament both became a barometer of his condition.
Amid the speculation, however, a voice calling for transparency echoed. Prominent royal writer Christopher Anderson stressed the need for clarity, urging the palace to shed light on the king's illness and prognosis, and to quell rumours and speculation.
"It's not just the king who needs to review his own funeral plans. Every high-ranking royalty will do it. William and Harry were in their teens when they were asked to plan their own funeral. They were asked to choose their own music, flowers, prayers, and who would read them. Members of the royal family are constantly reminded that when they die, their farewell will be a high-profile and significant event. They can't get rid of this terrible attachment to death. ”
"King Charles' reign will be short-lived by definition, but at the moment anyone is speculating exactly how short. At the same time, the proven practice of modifying funeral plans should not be used to make this decision. For the royal family, it would be very helpful to be transparent about the king's condition and prognosis. Until then, rumors and speculation will continue to circulate and conspiracy theories will be in abundance. ”
During this time, as the country prepares for potential changes in the monarchy, a shadow of uncertainty hangs over King Charles III's health, reminding all of the fragility of power and the inevitability of death.