THIS IS WHAT I DO'

Doubling down on his dedication to duty, King Charles bounces back from another health scare. But what is the prognosis for the monarchy - and his son and heir?

- ALISON EASTWOOD & CHRIS DANIELS

As King Charles III continues his quiet but determined battle with cancer, the 76-year-old monarch is showing the world that stepping back is simply not an option. If anything, the King seems more determined than ever to fulfil his royal duties - albeit at a pace that's now being more actively monitored by those closest to him.

“I want to do it. This is the point of me. This is what I do,” Charles has told aides, according to Robert Hardman, author of The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy. Indeed, His Majesty's recent spate of engagements – with his treatment still ongoing – proves just how deeply that ethos runs.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

Just two days before he was forced to cancel several commitments due to “temporary side effects” of his cancer treatment that necessitated “a short period of observation in hospital,” per the palace’s statement – alarmingly issued at 9 p.m. and making headlines around the world – Charles had hosted two events in a single night. One honoured authors at Clarence House, while the other was a 400-strong reception for regional journalists at Buckingham Palace.

“He stayed the full course,” recalls Robert. “He was sort of buzzing around... It was quite the surprise the next day when everyone suddenly got the news that he'd cancelled his engagements.”

While palace officials were quick to reassure the public that the King was simply experiencing a “bump in the road,” his hospitalization - and subsequent recovery at his country home, Highgrove House - sparked renewed concern about Charles's condition. Still, within a week, he was back at work, smiling as he played a carrot-shaped recorder alongside the London Vegetable Orchestra at Windsor Castle.