KING Charles’ cancer diagnosis has unlocked emotions he didn’t know he had – and he’s no longer “allergic” to family PDA, a body language expert has claimed.
It comes after the King was all smiles at the Windsor Horse Show today after asking aides to “supercharge his diary”.
Pictures show the 75-year-old monarch beaming as he hugged niece Zara Tindall, with body language expert Judi James saying he was once a “victim of her PDA”.
But following his shock cancer diagnosis in January, it seems the King has become more emotionally liberated.
Charles is “raring to go” while still getting treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, palace sources shared.
His treatment programme is ongoing but doctors are “sufficiently pleased” with the progress so far, meaning he is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.
And according to Judi, he’s doing so with great zest.
“Charles was never a man keen on his PDAs, in fact he often seemed allergic to them in the past,” she tells Fabulous.
“But his illness does appear to have released a more openly emotional side to his body language.
“Here at the races, a day out he adores, the new signals of affection are on display in a glorious way.”
The pictures of Charles and Zara smiling and hugging are particularly telling, Judi says.
“Zara has always been massively demonstrative with her uncle, throwing some very tactile PDAs on him in her usual spontaneous and exuberant way,” she explains.
“Charles has, in the past, responded with body language signals that make him look like a delighted but very passive (or bashful) ‘victim’ of her affectionate displays.
“But here he is fully, openly and fondly reciprocal.
“Zara throws her arms out straight here in an intentional gesture, looking like a small child asking for a hug.
He’s looked quite cheeky with his body language; he looks quite young again, quite childlike
Judi James
“Charles holds her arms to cuddle her in response and his face is wreathed in smiles of authentic happiness.
“The pair use close-up eye-gazing – which for Charles, is incredibly rare.
“They then perform a very touching, tight, chuckling hug that suggests mutual delight that Charles is out and about again.”
The Palace has not revealed what kind of cancer the King has, or what treatment he has been receiving.
What we do know is that he started a “schedule of regular treatments” in February and docs are pleased with his progress.
Everything you need to know about the King's comeback.
Q: Does today’s announcement mean King Charles’ cancer treatment has been successful or finished?
A: The King’s treatment programme is ongoing but doctors are “sufficiently pleased” with the progress so far and Charles is now able to resume several public-facing duties. Further royal engagements will be adapted where necessary to cut down on any recovery risks.
Q: How much longer will King Charles receive treatment?
A: While it is too early to say, the King’s medical team are “very encouraged” by the progress made so far and remains “positive” about his recovery.
Q: How many engagements will King Charles undertake in the weeks and months ahead?
A: They will be announced nearer the time in the usual manner and will remain under the doctor’s advice. It will not be a full summer programme. His Majesty will continue with all official State business and selected Audiences.
Q: Is there a risk King Charles may be taking on too much with these external duties?
A: The King’s schedule will be carefully designed to meet his recovery needs and he will be in close consultation with his medical team.
Q: Will King Charles attend the Birthday Parade, D-Day Commemorations, Garden Parties, Royal Ascot, or an Autumn overseas Tour?
A: Planning continues for ways in which the King and Queen can attend these summer and autumn engagements. All plans remain under the doctor’s advice.
Q: How is King Charles feeling?
A: The Palace said: “His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise.
A statement said: “No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer.”
Despite the tumultuous time, Judi observes that Charles has been showing his “playful side”.
This is evident in his wide and “cheeky” smile, as well as embraces with his niece.
“He’s looked quite cheeky with his body language,” Judi says.
“He looks quite young again, quite childlike.
“We see him looking over his shoulder doing an edge-to-edge teeth smile to look quite cheeky.
“He’s generally looking playful and fun.
“That’s not just with Zara, but all the other racegoers.”
