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King Charles and the Princess of Wales both underwent cancer treatment this year, making the health of the royal family a major concern in 2022. In recognition of their care and service, the Royal Medical Household team is visiting Balmoral Castle - the Scottish residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla - for an important annual meeting. This gathering will give His Majesty a chance to personally thank the physicians who have looked after the well-being of the royal family.
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The Royal Medical Household is comprised of top doctors and professionals from various medical fields who are entrusted with the healthcare of the royal family. Unlike other royal departments, little public information is available about this group and its members. However, we know Dr. Michael Dixon currently heads the operation as Physician to the Royal Household. Dr. Fiona Butler, known as the Apothecary to the King, also plays a key role as one of King Charles' regular doctors.
In June, King Charles honoured Dr. Dixon and Dr. Butler for their personal service to him by making Dr. Dixon a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and promoting Dr. Butler to Lieutenant of the same order. These prestigious awards are given independently of the government to recognize those who have assisted the monarch directly.
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While the Balmoral meeting was called an annual event unrelated to current royal medical issues, King Charles and Princess Kate's cancer treatments this year have understandably caused concern. The gathering allows the Royal Medical Household to privately discuss all health matters affecting the Windsor family. Maintaining the wellbeing of the monarch and royal lineage is of utmost importance.
Beyond ongoing cancer care, King Charles' accession to the throne itself came amid difficult family circumstances. He succeeded Queen Elizabeth II on September 8th while at Balmoral, the Scottish estate so dear to both himself and his late mother. Charles had been driving back to the castle when informed over the phone by the Queen's private secretary that his mother had passed away peacefully in her sleep.
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history will recall how Charles went from Prince of Wales to King in an instant while sitting alone in his car on an ordinary Scottish road. He finished the drive to Balmoral as Sovereign, with Queen Consort Camilla by his side. School children learn that Queen Elizabeth II was in a Kenyan treetop when news of her father's death reached her, but for Charles, the solemn moment occurred during an ordinary family visit in the private setting of Balmoral.
The estate provided solace and privacy to the royal family during difficult transitions. It was the Queen's wish to spend her final days at Balmoral, keeping a promise to serve her country until the very end despite declining health. She met her final Prime Ministers, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, duringQueen Elizabeth II's last official duties on September 6th, just two days before her passing at the age of 96.
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Her Majesty remained focused and engaged in important state matters even while clearly physically unwell. She ensured watching her beloved horses race at Goodwood was part of her packed final schedule as well. Though intending a full dinner that night, the monarch opted to eat alone and rest. Royal insiders observed a noticeable change on September 7th that cancelled her planned virtual meeting with the Privy Council.
Tragically, the Queen's health deteriorated rapidly. Princess Anne was with her mother at Balmoral as the end neared, joined by Anne's son Peter Phillips. Anne phoned her brother Charles to update him, forcing a difficult decision - cancel engagements 150 miles away to rush to Balmoral, or keep the appointments and regret not saying goodbye. Charles made the understandably painful choice to speed to Balmoral.
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Now, with both King Charles and Princess Kate undergoing cancer treatment this year, it is understandable that the annual Royal Medical Household meeting at Balmoral holds added significance. The Summit allows the king an opportunity to personally thank those who cared for his late mother Queen Elizabeth II in her final days at the cherished Scottish estate, as well as the physicians guiding his own health and that of the royal family.
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