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As curious onlookers and loyal monarchists gazed up at the British flag fluttering solemnly in the breeze, there was no official announcement of death, yet an air of quiet mourning had unmistakably descended. In cafés across London and the dim corners of local pubs, a persistent question echoed with growing anxiety: What now? What happens next? Television broadcasts interrupted their usual programming as journalists, some visibly shaken, tried to interpret the silence and speculation. Rumors spread rapidly, whispering about cancer, a degenerative disease, or perhaps a hidden illness that had been quietly lingering for months. Whatever the truth, one fact was inescapable—King Charles III, after spending decades waiting in the wings, had only just taken the throne, and already his reign was overshadowed by a cloud of uncertainty.
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Recent concerns about King Charles’s health were seemingly pushed aside as he appeared in public, smiling and looking lively. Just days earlier, royal correspondent Camilla Tominey had claimed that while Charles may eventually die with cancer, he would not die of it—an important distinction that seemed to suggest the condition was manageable. However, even as he fought to reassure the public with his presence, another challenge emerged. Anti-monarchy group Republic announced they would protest at the upcoming Trooping the Colour celebration—marking the king’s official birthday—with renewed fervor. This will be the second year in a row the organization has staged demonstrations against the monarchy during this symbolic event. Their criticism is pointed, aimed specifically at King Charles, Prince William, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne for donning military attire and medals—symbols they believe the royals have not earned through service.
Adding another layer of tension, it was reported that King Charles had deliberately chosen not to invite Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to join the rest of the royal family for the Trooping the Colour festivities. The exclusion drew public scrutiny, especially as cameras caught Charles in an apparent deep and animated exchange with Queen Camilla during the ceremony. Lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman analyzed fragments of their conversation from the televised broadcast, suggesting that the royal couple was discussing Harry. According to Freeman’s interpretation, Camilla asked, “Yes, what else did he want?” Charles reportedly replied, “He keeps dragging it all up. There seems to be another issue right now.” Camilla then questioned, “What are you going to do about it?” Charles answered, “We’ll tackle it sooner or later. It’s all very messy, and I will talk to Harry. That’ll be fun.” Camilla dryly responded, “Oh yes, problematic.”
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Meanwhile, the ceremonial aspects of the Trooping the Colour went ahead as tradition dictates. Senior royals, including Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, participated on horseback, riding behind King Charles’s carriage as it made its way from Buckingham Palace to the Horse Guards Parade. For years, Charles himself had been a visible and active participant on horseback during these processions, both for his mother’s birthdays and now for his own. However, due to his ongoing struggle with cancer—which was confirmed publicly the previous year—he now travels by carriage for the sake of his safety and wellbeing. Despite his diagnosis, those close to the monarch say he’s managing the illness with determination. One confidant observed that cancer is something one must learn to live with, adding that Charles is doing exactly that. “Modern medicine has made great progress,” the source said. “And I see no change in him at all. As long as he listens to his doctors, he’s doing everything right—just living life as normally as possible.”
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Jeremy Freeman, the lip reader, couldn't catch every word, but he believed the king also made a grim remark: “On my way out,” before adding, “Meanwhile, not like me. That’s the difference between me and him.” While it remains unclear who he was speaking about, the undertone was heavy and personal. The king is also believed to have uttered the words “Absolutely crazy, disgrace. Absolutely extraordinary,” though what prompted the reaction is still a mystery. Given the ongoing dispute between King Charles and his brother Prince Andrew—particularly concerning the Royal Lodge estate—speculation has arisen that the remark may have been aimed at Andrew. Reports suggest the king has even ordered a financial probe into Andrew’s affairs to prevent any ill-advised decisions prompted by money troubles.
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Prince Harry, meanwhile, made a public appearance that sparked fresh commentary. Royal photographer Arthur Edwards noted that Harry seemed emotional, perhaps even regretful. Edwards speculated that Harry might be reconsidering his estrangement from his father. “I honestly think he’s having second thoughts,” the photographer observed. “All he wanted was to reconcile. If he had just said, ‘Sorry, Pop. I really do want to see you,’ that simple act might have changed everything.”
In a public statement, it was later confirmed that King Charles had made a solemn request to revise the Trooping the Colour program. His decision came as a tribute to the lives lost in a recent tragedy, out of respect for grieving families and communities still in mourning. Amid royal pageantry and public scrutiny, King Charles continues to grapple not only with his health and family tensions but also with the heavy burden of leading a monarchy in transition—haunted by the past, pressured by the present, and uncertain of what
lies ahead.
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