King Charles leaves doctors ‘wringing their hands’ as determined monarch defies orders

King Charles waited a lifetime—70 years—to take the throne, and now that he’s finally King, he’s determined not to waste a single moment. Despite being diagnosed with cancer last year at the age of 76, he has stayed active and committed to his royal duties. While he did slow down briefly after the diagnosis, he soon resumed his schedule, including overseas trips, even though they take a toll on his health.

Last year, reports revealed that his doctors were upset when Charles paused his treatment to go on an exhausting 11-day tour of Australia and Samoa. The journey left him needing rest, but he didn’t slow down. He went on to visit Italy, where he had an emotional final meeting with Pope Francis before the pontiff’s death.

Now, another trip is raising concerns. King Charles and Queen Camilla are preparing to travel to Canada later this month for the state opening of the Canadian Parliament. Though it’s a short two-day visit, his medical team is worried about how demanding it will be—especially with recent political tension involving Canada and former US President Donald Trump.

According to the Daily Mail’s Ephraim Hardcastle column, Charles’ doctors are reportedly “wringing their hands” in frustration. They fear the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, may overwork the King during the visit in an effort to show support for Canada in its ongoing disagreements with Trump. Trump has even made the provocative claim that he wants Canada to become the 51st US state, which has escalated tensions further.

Even though his doctors have advised him to take breaks between duties, insiders say Charles tends to fill any free time in his schedule with additional engagements without informing his medical team. He’s reportedly told his staff, “I’ve only just begun,” showing his determination to make the most of his reign, regardless of his illness.

The Palace has not confirmed what type of cancer Charles has, but speculation continues. Officials maintain that he is still strong enough to fulfill his royal responsibilities. However, public concern about his health resurfaced recently after Prince Harry awkwardly commented that he wasn’t sure how much time his father had left, drawing renewed attention to the King’s condition.

This royal visit also touches on sensitive political issues. Mark Carney, who once led the Bank of England, has criticized the UK government’s recent move to extend a state visit invitation to Donald Trump—an invitation delivered by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in front of cameras at the White House. Carney said Canadians weren’t impressed by the gesture, especially since it came during a period when Canada was focused on asserting its sovereignty. He felt the invitation undermined that message.

Now, all eyes are on King Charles—not just for what he’ll say or do in Canada, but for how he’ll manage the strain of it all while dealing with a serious illness behind the scenes.