The King's treatment continues
And why William and Catherine were right to miss this family gathering
Hi everyone, it’s Emily here with my weekly newsletter.
With Christmas just days away and London starting to empty as commuters begin their holidays, there’s been a distinctive “end of term” feel to this week.
So it was lovely to see the King and Queen out in Walthamstow, East London today, before their departure for Sandringham, where they will celebrate Christmas surrounded by loved ones next week.
Their Majesties were on great form, chatting to dozens of wellwishers at an event to highlight the area’s strong community spirit.
The Queen brought toys to donate to children living in asylum hotels and the local food bank was supplied with a generous donation of goods on the King’s behalf.
Asked by Sikh faith representative Harvinder Rattan how he was doing, Charles joked “I’m still alive”, suggesting he was aware of reports circulating about his health earlier today.
In recent weeks, Palace sources have confirmed that the monarch’s treatment for what they are calling a “managed condition” will continue in the New Year and is “moving in a positive direction”.
This is perhaps not the neat end-of-year message that people may have been expecting, especially after hearing from the Princess of Wales about her own treatment coming to a conclusion a few months ago.
But it’s a reminder that every cancer patient’s journey is unique to them.