Former Palace butler Grant Harrold spoke to Geo News, commending the careful planning behind the trip.
“I think also he’s getting on a little bit, obviously he’s a little bit older. I mean when his mother became Queen and she was undertaking state visits, obviously she was a lot younger. I think because of obviously his age and his recent health and everything, they’ve probably just kind of been sensible about how they plan these kind of things…”
Harrold continued:
“I just think they’re probably just planning it carefully and trying to make the most of his time while he’s overseas… I’m not too sure exactly how long he’s there for. But again, these kinds of things, when they get planned, they make the most of it.”
He also noted that Charles appeared to be “doing really well” and remained “very positive” despite the challenges of his treatment.
However, royal expert Daniela Elser expressed concerns about the situation. In a report from News.com.au, she suggested that while Charles seemed to be in good spirits at a church appearance in late January, Buckingham Palace was facing an unprecedented challenge—managing the monarchy under an aging king undergoing cancer treatment.
She wrote: “The King might have been all smiles at church in late January, but Buckingham Palace is today facing down a previously unheard of, never-considered royal scenario – how to keep Crown Inc going in the time of an aging, cancer-battling monarch who is increasingly rattling around the Palace, stranded and with fewer than ever people to call on.”
Elser also pointed out that as Charles continues to age and undergo treatment, he has a shrinking number of working royals to depend on for support and delegation.
