A royal expert has given an insight on how the late Queen Elizabeth would feel were she able to look at King Charles’s reign.

Queen Elizabeth II: King Charles III issues statement in tribute

Queen Elizabeth would be “dismayed” to see King Charles and Princess Kate both battling with cancer, but she would still be “extremely proud” to see her son sitting on the throne.

The late Queen passed away on September 8, 2022, aged 96, passing the crown onto her then-74-year-old son and heir Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer just over one year into his reign.

His daughter-in-law Kate revealed her own diagnosis with the same disease just two months later. However both of them have been returning to royal life despite their ongoing treatment.

Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told OK! magazine: “It was a double whammy of bad news affecting two of those closest to her [Queen Elizabeth], so it would have upset her terribly had she still been alive.

“But I think she would have been extremely proud of how they’ve both handled things. The Queen always had that ‘keep calm and carry on’ work ethic, and we’ve really seen that continue with the King.”

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Mr Larcombe added: “He has kept going, and you get the impression he’s been doing as much as he physically can. I wonder if his doctors might privately be a bit annoyed that he hasn’t rested as much as he could have.

“The Queen would have been dismayed because her son had really hit the ground running as King. He was enjoying lots of public walkabouts and handshakes, and everything was going well. Then the diagnosis came as a bolt from the blue and completely derailed everything.”

The King’s cancer was discovered during a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate, which he underwent in January this year, but by late spring he was already getting back to work.

Princess Kate announced in March that she too was receiving chemotherapy to treat an undisclosed type of cancer, but she was well enough to join the royals for Trooping the Colour in June.

In a statement released by Kensington Palace the day before, the Princess said she had been “blown away” by the outpouring of public support she had received.

She added she was still undergoing treatment, but that she has been trying to focus on getting back to normal through carrying out some work at home.

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Speaking about Kate being present at Trooping The Colour, royal expert Jennie Bond told the publication: “I think she’ll feel that this is another milestone on a difficult and lengthy journey – and that must give her a sense of achievement.

“She’s not out of the woods, but she is clearly on the right path.

“He [King Charles] was obviously thrilled to have Catherine alongside him. It’s probably the best birthday present of all.

“It is also a signal that the monarchy is strong – something which is especially important, as it’s been a tough few months. But they are getting through it, side by side.”