From London, I am Deep Crown, and I come to you today to discuss the health of our beloved King Charles the third.
I must say, it was an absolute delight to see His Majesty back at work this week, resuming his public duties after a period of treatment and recuperation.
It has been a difficult few months for the royal family and the country as a whole, as we've all watched and waited anxiously for news of the King's health. To see him looking so well and in such good spirits is a testament to his strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his role as our sovereign.
Of course, we must remember that the King's recovery is an ongoing process, and that he will need to pace himself as he returns to his duties. The Palace has made it clear that his schedule will be carefully planned in consultation with his medical team, and that a full summer program is not expected at this stage.
While the Palace had been tight-lipped about the specifics of the King's condition, declining to provide a "running commentary," whispers among the royal inner circle had been beginning to suggest that the situation may be more serious than publicly acknowledged. Friends of the King have hinted that his battle with cancer is far from over, and the nation holds its collective breath as we await further news. I believe that’s what accelerated the announcement that His Majesty would return to work.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that not only are the King's funeral plans, codenamed "Operation Menai Bridge," being regularly updated, not in itself uncommon, but a "lessons learned" document reviewing the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral is also circulating in Whitehall. It's a stark reminder of the ever-present reality of mortality, even for those who wear the crown.
William finds himself in a uniquely difficult position. On one hand, he is a devoted son, watching his father battle a serious illness and facing the prospect of losing him far too soon. The pain and the heartache of that reality cannot be overstated.
But on the other hand, William is also the heir to the throne – the man who will one day wear the crown and bear the weight of the monarchy on his shoulders. It's a role that he has been preparing for his entire life, but one that he has always known would come with immense responsibility and sacrifice.
The fact that William is said to be in no rush to become the monarch is a testament to his character and his deep love for his father. He understands the gravity of the role, and the toll that it can take on one's personal life and relationships. He has seen firsthand the challenges and the triumphs of the monarchy, and he knows that it is not a burden to be taken on lightly.
But more than that, William's reluctance to assume the throne is a sign of his humanity. He is not just a prince, but a son – a man who is facing the prospect of losing his father and his guiding light.
And yet, when the time comes, I have no doubt that William will rise to the occasion with the same grace, courage, and dedication that has defined his father's reign.
The road ahead may be uncertain, but one thing is clear – the monarchy is in good hands, and the future of our nation is bright. Long may Prince William reign, and may he always know the love and gratitude of his people.
As for the week ahead, sometimes I think we could all benefit from a little more honesty in these matters. The ongoing saga of Prince Harry and Meghan's relationship with the royal family has been marked by so much speculation, innuendo, and carefully crafted statements that it's hard to know what to believe anymore.
But if we strip away all the niceties and diplomatic language, the truth is probably something close to what we all think. Meghan's absence from Harry's upcoming UK visit for the Invictus Games anniversary speaks volumes about her current feelings towards the royal family. It's clear that she wants no part of that world anymore, and that she's happy to keep her distance from the pomp and ceremony of royal life.
And if we're being completely frank, it's likely that the feeling is mutual. While the palace may issue polite statements expressing sadness at Meghan's absence, behind closed doors there are probably more than a few sighs of relief. The Duchess has been a polarizing figure from the start, and her departure from the royal fold has been a source of both drama and distraction for the monarchy.
It's no secret that there have been tensions and disagreements between Meghan and various members of the royal family, from Queen Elizabeth herself to the Prince and Princess of Wales. The cultural differences, the media scrutiny, the break with tradition - it's all added up to a fairly toxic dynamic that has left everyone feeling bruised and battered.
The news that the Sussexes are set to visit Nigeria shortly after Harry's solo return to the UK for the Invictus Games anniversary has certainly raised a few eyebrows in royal circles. The invitation from Nigeria's chief of defence staff may have presented an opportunity for the couple to make a positive impact on the global stage, without the baggage and drama that often comes with a return to the UK.
So perhaps it's time to stop pretending. Meghan doesn't want to be part of the royal family anymore, and the royal family is probably quite happy to see her go. There's no need for false sentiments or insincere platitudes. It is what it is, and everyone involved would probably be better off if we could all just acknowledge that and move on.
Of course, that's easier said than done. The monarchy is an institution that relies heavily on public perception and carefully managed appearances. To admit to any kind of rift or dysfunction is to risk damaging the brand, and that's not something that the palace is willing to do lightly.
But at the same time, there's something refreshing about the idea of just being honest about the situation. It's a bit like ripping off a bandage, painful in the moment, but ultimately necessary for healing to begin.
Unfortunately, I fear that may be wishful thinking at this point. The wounds are still too raw, the emotions too high. It will take time and effort on all sides to rebuild the broken trust and find a way to coexist peacefully. But I do hope that someday, we'll be able to look back on this moment as a turning point - a chance for the monarchy to evolve and adapt to the changing times, and for the Sussexes to find their own path to happiness and fulfillment.
In the meantime, let's just call it like we see it. Meghan's not coming to the UK anytime soon, and that's probably for the best. The royal family will carry on without her, and life will go on. It may not be the fairy tale ending we all hoped for, but it's the reality we're living in. Sometimes, that's just the way the cookie crumbles.
Deep Crown’s weekly column is available in audio form as part of your paid subscription to Palace Intrigue on Apple Podcasts.