King Charles' first 18 months on the throne

Despite his health setbacks, he's a "stable hand on the tiller"

Charles is a "warm and present leader who wants to make a difference in the world"

This week marks the 18-month milestone of King Charles' reign.

If you asked me back in September 2022 when the late Queen Elizabeth II passed away how I would foresee the Carolean era going, I wouldn't have guessed Charles would be receiving treatment for cancer (not to mention only seeing one sighting of the Princess of Wales in over two months).

At 75, Charles has shown that even in the adversity of poor health, he remains serious and passionate about the job he's spent his lifetime training for.

"Workaholic" Charles, as his wife Queen Camilla calls him, has spent the past year and a half launching himself into his kingly role, at a time when many his age may be slowing down and enjoying retirement.

Charles' poor health has been a stumbling block of his reign

Business as usual

His prostate procedure in January and now ongoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer have prevented him from carrying out public-facing duties. The King has been advised to cancel and postpone public engagements, but I can't imagine Charles sitting still for long and we know that he is continuing to review his red boxes, hold weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and attend Privy Council meetings.