King Charles III And Prince William Are ‘Postponing Any And All Engagements’ This Week, Here's Why
King Charles III and Prince William have reportedly canceled their royal outings for the week. The maneuver leaves many concerned amid cancer battles involving the king and Kate Middleton.
Despite the cancer diagnosis, it appears their hiatus has nothing to do with either of the royal's health. Instead, the king and the Duke of Cambridge are pivoting due to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's call for a surprise general election.
Sunak began six weeks of campaigning Thursday after calling for a surprise election to be held July 4, per NBC News. Reportedly, Sunak and his party are unpopular within the United Kingdom with 71% of people having a negative view towards him.
The royals may not resume public engagements until after the election — which is currently just shy of six weeks away, the Associated Press reports.
At this time, the royals are currently postponing any and all engagements that may be consideration a distraction, per the Buckingham Palace. The palace has cited that this is in accordance with normal procedure.
"Following the Prime Minister's statement this afternoon calling a General Election, The Royal Family will — in accordance with normal procedure — postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign," a spokesperson for Buckingham told Tatler on May 22.
"Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result," the palace concluded.
King Charles, 75, has reportedly had to cancel three planned outings this week, while Prince William, 41, cancelled one.
Per the media outlet, the king invited Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to visit the United Kingdom in late June. However, it is currently unclear as to whether the official visit will take place.
It was reported that the king was looking forward to his outings since recently returning to duty amid treatment for cancer following his diagnosis in February.
After returning to duty, King Charles has already attended five engagements within just 48 hours — including visiting the Chelsea Flower Show alongside Queen Camilla, per BBC.
