King Charles III and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, underwent medical procedures in January, forcing them to take time away from their royal duties.
Recently, Prince Edward has also announced he will be taking time off following a lengthy overseas trip, leaving many to wonder who’s left to take care of the royal duties.
British Royals Forced to Take Time Off
The new year has already forced three royals to take time off due to surgical procedures and illnesses.
King Charles and Princess Catherine underwent procedures that will leave them sidelined. Meanwhile, the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, recently had a cancer scare that has also led her to retreat from the public eye.
Separate Statements on Royals’ Health
On Jan. 17, royal officials released separate statements to inform the public of the forthcoming absence of both Charles and Catherine.
While Charles aims to make a speedy recovery, Kate may be out of action for several more months. The official statement said, “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties after Easter” (via People).
Prince William Steps Away to Spend Time with Family
According to People, Prince William has also taken a step back from royal duties while his wife recovers from her abdominal surgery.
Now, another member of British royalty has announced they are in need of a break following an overseas trip.
Prince Plans to Take a Short Break
Prince Edward recently returned from an overseas trip in South Africa and now plans to retreat from royal duties for a while.
According to The Telegraph, Prince Edward is taking “a short break from public duties after his trips overseas in January to South Africa and St. Helena.”
Busy Trips to Overseas Territories
During his trip to the Commonwealth nation of South Africa, the Duke of Edinburgh spent four days fulfilling various royal duties.
Prince Edward also visited the British overseas territory of St. Helena before he traveled back to the U.K.
Standard Break for British Royals
Typically, when a royal family member returns from an overseas venture, they will take a short break from duties.
Us Weekly wrote that the Duke of Edinburgh didn’t make another public appearance until he attended a reception at the Institute of Physics in February.
Female Royals Set to Take on Extra
With many familiar royal faces sidelined for February, members of British royals, including Queen Camilla, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne, will pick up the slack.
All three women have hefty schedules in the coming weeks during the absence of King Charles and Princess Catherine.
Princess Anne Opens New Facility
Known as a workhorse for the royal family, Princess Anne will continue to make several appearances throughout the coming months.
At the end of January, she was pictured opening new facilities at Riding for the Disabled’s Reaseheath Equestrian College.
Queen Camilla Makes Several Solo Trips
Britain’s new queen consort, Camilla, is no stranger to royal duties.
Recently, she’s made several solo trips, from visiting a hospital just before World Cancer Day to celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Queen Mary’s Doll House; Queen Camilla has remained as busy as ever in the wake of her husband’s absence.
Sophie Does Her Part
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of Prince Edward, is also taking on her fair share of royal duties during the absence of King Charles and Princess Catherine.
Recently, she ventured to London to pay a visit to Harris Girls’ Academy and gave a short talk on the importance of menstrual health.
King Charles Will Soon Return
After a successful procedure, the king left the private clinic in London through the front doors and even waved to bystanders. It appears Charles won’t need an extended recovery period and will likely return to his royal duties in no time.
Buckingham Palace released a statement and said, “The king was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation.”
