Since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022, the royal family hasn’t had it easy, to say the least.
Here’s all the turmoil and obstacles they have faced since the Queen’s passing. It comes as Inside Windsor Castle: A Royal Residence airs on Channel 5 tonight (Saturday, June 1).
Royal family turmoil: King Charles cancer
Following a visit to the hospital for treatment of an enlarged prostate, King Charles revealed on February 5, 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He also announced that he would be stepping back from “public-facing duties” in the meantime.
The palace said: “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.”
The palace haven’t revealed what form of cancer King Charles has. However, they stated he is “grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure”.
A statement added: “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
Kate Middleton cancer
Just over a month after Charles announced his diagnosis, Kate, Princess of Wales also revealed she had cancer.
Beforehand, the public had heavily speculated on Kate’s disappearance from public duties.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London. At the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” she told fans in a video upload.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment. This of course came as a huge shock.
“And William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
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Queen Camilla’s backlash
Queen Camilla received endless backlash over her royal title when Charles became King, despite having the support of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
When King Charles ascended to the throne, Camilla became Queen Consort.
However, when news revealed that Camilla would simply be addressed as Queen Camilla, some people didn’t appear pleased.
One palace insider explained at the time: “It made sense to refer to Her Majesty as The Queen Consort in the early months of His Majesty’s reign, to distinguish from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Queen Camilla is the appropriate title to set against King Charles on the invitation. The coronation is an appropriate time to start using ‘Queen Camilla’ in an official capacity.”
Queen Elizabeth had previously shown her support of the title at her Platinum Jubilee. She said: “When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me.
“It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
Regardless, Queen Camilla faced reams of criticism online.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle criticism
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been no strangers to relentless backlash from the public, sparking further on the very date King Charles was crowned King.
Fans made countless predictions over whether Meghan Markle would attend the ceremony but ultimately, she did not. Of course, this didn’t go down well with the public or the press and ruffled even more feathers when Harry left the UK just hours after the service.
Just months after the Queen’s death, Harry launched his scathing book, Spare, in January 2023. In it, he shared his candid experiences as a member of the royal family.
Royal correspondent Sean Coughlan said of the book: “In places it feels like the longest angry drunk text ever sent.”
Meanwhile, brothers William and Harry have seemingly failed to heal their rift even now more than a year on from the Queen’s death.
Earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess faced even more criticism when Harry visited King Charles for a mere handful of hours in wake of his cancer diagnosis. Again, with a no-show from Meghan.
Royal family latest news
Meghan can’t seem to catch a break either, as she recently announced the launch of her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, much to the dismay of social media users, who flocked online to slate it.
The criticism doesn’t end there. Just this week, the pair have raised eyebrows as Harry flew solo to celebrate the Invictus Games in London.
The King even failed to receive Harry, due to an apparent full diary. Meanwhile, he was preparing to honour Prince William with a military title. This title was previously expected to be given to Harry.
This week, Meghan touched down in the UK for a brief rendezvous with her husband. They met at Heathrow Airport, before jetting off to Nigeria.
According to insiders, the Prince and Princess of Wales felt less than impressed with Harry’s whirlwind visit.
A source told Closer: “William and Kate are livid that Meghan and Harry are taking on this Africa tour. Acting like they’re royals again.”
Read more: King Charles and Queen Camilla yet to RSVP to royal wedding of the year due to ‘tension’
Inside Winsor Castle: A Royal Residence airs tonight (Saturday, June 1) at 7.30pm on Channel 5 and My5.
