King Charles, 76, demonstrated his resilience during a busy day of engagements at Lancaster Castle on June 9, participating in the historic Ceremony of the Keys while continuing his cancer treatment.
The monarch was welcomed by enthusiastic crowds, including schoolchildren and a military band, as he arrived for his official duties in northwest England. According to People, the ceremony, which dates back to 1851 under Queen Victoria’s reign, follows a similar presentation made to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, at the same location in 2015.
Despite his ongoing cancer treatment, King Charles maintains an active schedule, and shows no sign of slowing down. A palace aide recently noted, “Medical science has made incredible advances, and I genuinely see no difference in him.” The aide added that as long as one follows doctors’ orders, it’s possible to maintain normal activities, which is exactly what the King is doing.
King prepares for Trooping the Colour while managing regular duties
The Lancaster Castle visit precedes the upcoming Trooping the Colour parade on June 14, where Charles will lead the royal family. Buckingham Palace confirmed he will ride in a carriage instead of on horseback for the second consecutive year.
The King’s commitment to his duties remains evident, having recently completed a two-day visit to Canada with Queen Camilla in late May, where he opened the Canadian parliament. His medical team has structured his treatment to allow him to continue with his royal responsibilities. His wife, Queen Camilla, has also faced health challenges but resumed public duties recently.
During his visit to Lancaster Castle, Charles engaged with local businesses showcasing regional specialties, including farmhouse cheese producers, wool yarn manufacturers supporting the British wool industry, and handcrafted furniture makers. The castle serves as the historic heart of the Duchy of Lancaster, a private estate spanning over 41,000 acres across multiple counties that has been held by the reigning monarch since 1399.
The monarch also attended a reception where he met with various community representatives, including volunteers from Escape 2 Make, an organization providing creative workshops for young people, members of St John’s Hospice, the Lancaster Literature Festival, and a local World War II veteran. This engagement demonstrates the King’s ongoing dedication to connecting with local communities despite his health challenges.
Published: Jun 11, 2025 05:25 am