King Charles has a “horrendous memory” and sleeps in an oxygen tent to combat sinus problems, a new royal biography says.
The royal book My Mother and I by Ingrid Seward claims that His Majesty cures his deteriorating memory by writing down his thoughts on notes that he keeps in his breast pocket.
Although the 75-year-old king has a great knowledge of history, his short-term memory is considered problematic. Charles is reported to have said his memory was “terrifying”.
Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, also wrote that the king “has no sympathy for trivial ailments and battles his own sinus problems by sleeping in an oxygen tent.”
Seward wrote extensively about Charles' childhood health problems when he was at Cheam, his first boarding school, before the king's cancer diagnosis earlier this month.
While the 75-year-old king (pictured earlier this month) has a great knowledge of history, his short-term memory is believed to be problematic. Charles is reported to have said that his “memory was appalling.” The book My “Mother and I” by Ingrid Seward (pictured) claims that His Majesty cures his deteriorating memory by writing down his thoughts on sticky notes that he keeps in his breast pocket
She said that Charles was often ill as a child, prone to colds, and that he had his tonsils removed when he was eight.
At school, Charles is described by Seward as “uncoordinated and overweight” and that he is “unsuited to the regime of cold showers and freezing dormitories.”
A trip to Australia at the age of 17 gave King a love of sports such as polo and skiing, which later earned him his nickname “Action Man”.
The King is currently receiving a regular treatment plan for cancer, which was discovered during a procedure for a benign enlarged prostate but is unrelated.
Buckingham Palace announced the diagnosis in a statement on February 5, saying His Majesty had “undertaken a regular treatment plan in which he was advised by doctors to postpone public duties.”
“During this time, His Majesty will conduct state business and official paperwork as usual.”
The king is said to have informed his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, of his diagnosis.
Seward (pictured) wrote extensively about Charles' childhood health problems when he was at Cheam, his first boarding school, before the King's cancer diagnosis earlier this month
Prince Harry, 39, traveled to Britain shortly after the announcement but is said to have only spoken to his father for around 45 minutes.
He stressed today: “I love my family” and that he “jumped on a plane as quickly as possible” to visit the king after speaking on the phone about his cancer diagnosis.
The Duke of Sussex also revealed that he was “grateful” to have his father Charles III. in person and hopes the diagnosis could have a “unifying effect” on the royal family.
Harry, 39, discussed his journey to becoming a king as he spoke publicly for the first time since Charles postponed all public duties following the diagnosis last week.
He also said that he had been “considering” becoming a U.S. citizen since moving to California – but added that his opinion about his father's health “is between him and me.”
Harry told ABC's “Good Morning America” about his visit to London without Meghan and their children, less than 24 hours after the announcement about Charles' health.
When asked by GMA host Will Reeve how “emotional” the Duke's trip to the meeting was for him, Harry replied: “Um, look, I love my family.” The fact that I get on a plane and I am grateful to be able to visit him and spend time with him at any time.”
At the end of a week in which the Sussexes made a series of announcements:
Reeve, the son of the late Superman actor Christopher Reeve, who was paralyzed in 1995, said: “I have also found in my own life that an illness in the family can have a rousing or sort of reunifying effect on a family.” Is that possible in this case?'
Prince Harry speaks with Will Reeve, host of ABC's Good Morning America, in Canada this week, the Duke of Sussex during the interview in Whistler with ABC correspondent Will Reeve
Harry spoke exclusively to Reeve from a ski resort in Whistler, Canada, at an Invictus Games One Year To Go event and replied: “Absolutely.” Yes, I'm sure.
“In all of these families, I see the strength of the family unit coming together every day.” I think every illness, every illness brings families together. “I see it again and again and that makes me very happy.”
When asked how he “processed the fact that there's so much going on with your family and where you come from,” Harry said, “I have my own family, like we all do, right?” My family and my life in California is like that , as they are. I have further trips planned that would take me around the UK or back to the UK. I’ll stop by and see my family as often as I can.”
Yesterday King Charles was seen driving around near Sandringham as he continued his treatment following his cancer diagnosis.
The monarch was behind the wheel of his Audi SUV and wore a beige coat and white shirt.
Last week he broke his silence in a letter published by Sandringham House, saying he was “encouraged” to hear that his experience was inspiring others across the country to get checked.
King Charles, 75, was behind the wheel of his Audi SUV, wearing a beige coat and white shirt. Pictured today is King Charles driving through Sandringham
The letter, signed by Charles R, read: “I would like to express my warmest thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received over the last few days.”
“As every cancer survivor knows, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”
“It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped to promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations supporting cancer patients and their families in the UK and around the world. “
“My lifelong admiration for her tireless care and dedication is made all the greater by my own personal experience.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the king, who took the throne just 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, saying only that he suffers from a “form of cancer.”
He was diagnosed after a “separate problem of concern was identified” and was examined while being treated for his benign enlarged prostate.
His wife, Queen Camilla, continued her busy week of engagements today as she met Poppy makers at Clarence House yesterday.
The 76-year-old Queen, who is keeping busy while her husband King Charles is treated for cancer, met with The Poppy Factory Surgeon's president, Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis.
Rear Admiral Jarvis gave Camilla a wreath of poppies to mark the occasion. Later, Her Majesty cut a cake with a sword – like her late mother-in-law once did.
Through the Poppy Factory, the Queen also met with those whose lives have been transformed by civilian employment.
Rear Admiral Jarvis gave Camilla a wreath of poppies to mark the occasion. Her Majesty, who has been busy while her husband King Charles is being treated for cancer, met with the President of the Poppy Factory today. Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis Camilla, 76, dressed in a navy blue shirt dress marked the 100th anniversary of the Poppy Factory, which was founded after the First World War. The Duke of Sussex (pictured in 2022) is said to not want to be in the same room as the Queen during his conversation with his cancer-stricken father King Charles III
Earlier this week, the Queen was treated to performances by Dame Judi Dench, Gary Oldman and Robert Lindsay at a star-studded event celebrating the work of William Shakespeare.
Camilla was greeted upon her arrival at London's Grosvenor House Hotel by a number of actors who have played Hamlet, including Brian Cox, Jeremy Irons and David Mitchell.
She was then greeted by a dozen ladies including Dame Twiggy Lawson, Dame Vanessa Redgrave and Baroness Floella Benjamin.
On Valentine's Day, Camilla was gifted two matching sweaters with a heart on them from event host Gyles Brandreth, who said he hoped they would “keep the king and queen warm on these cold winter nights.”