King Charles Reveals He 'Lost His Sense Of Taste' During Cancer Treatment
By Favour Adegoke on May 13, 2024 at 1:15 PM EDT
Updated on May 13, 2024 at 1:34 PM EDT
During a visit to the Army Flying Museum, King Charles disclosed that he lost his sense of taste during cancer treatment. The monarch made the revelation while speaking to a military veteran who had battled testicular cancer.
Charles officially transferred command of Prince Harry's former regiment to Prince William, making him Colonel-in-Chief of The Army Air Corps.
King Charles Shares Health Update Amid His Cancer Battle
According to the DailyMail, while conversing with British Army veteran Aaron Mapplebeck, who had undergone chemotherapy for testicular cancer, Charles disclosed that he, too, had experienced a loss of taste during cancer treatment.
Charles first revealed his cancer diagnosis earlier this year, and although Buckingham Palace has not disclosed specifics of his treatment, it's known that the monarch is undergoing chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Earlier, the monarch attended a ceremony where he officially transferred command of Prince Harry's former regiment to Prince William, bestowing upon him the title of Colonel-in-Chief of The Army Air Corps. This means William will now represent the Army's airborne wing, including his brother's former unit, 662 Squadron.
Buckingham Palace previously announced that Charles would officially transfer the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to William at the Army Aviation Centre, where Harry previously trained to fly.
King Charles Praised Prince William As A 'Good Pilot' During Handover Ceremony
In the handover ceremony, Charles, who once held the role of Colonel-in-Chief as Prince of Wales for 31 years, expressed his pride in William's piloting skills and wished the regiment continued success under his leadership as the new Colonel-in-Chief.
"I do hope you'll go from strength to strength.. with the Prince of Wales as your new Colonel-in-Chief," the King said. "The great thing is he's a very good pilot indeed... I can't tell you how proud it has made me to have been involved with you all this time."
The handover event took place in front of an Apache attack helicopter at the Middle Wallop Control Tower. Harry had served in the regiment as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, leading many to believe he would assume the role until the change was announced last August after Charles' coronation in May.
Prince William Takes Command Of The Army Air Corps As Colonel-in-Chief
Following the ceremony, both Charles and William interacted with the serving aircrew. The Prince of Wales then commenced his inaugural engagement with the Army Air Corps as Colonel-in-Chief, receiving a comprehensive briefing on its operations, engaging with personnel and their families, and inspecting operational aircraft. Additionally, he had the privilege of flying in an Apache helicopter.
Before his current position, William served as a Platoon Commander in The Blues and Royals. He then underwent flying training in the Royal Air Force and served as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot.
During the handover ceremony, William was presented with an Army Air Corps scarf, a tartan wrap for Kate, and three wooden helicopters for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
King Charles Recently Resumed Public-Facing Duties
Last month, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles was set to resume his public duties amid his cancer treatment.
A statement from the palace read, "His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis."
It continued, "To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment center next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients."
The palace further noted: "His Majesty's medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King's continued recovery. Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to His Majesty's continued recovery."
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Visited Nigeria
Meanwhile, Harry, who had been denied an audience with his father due to the King's full schedule, visited Nigeria with his wife, Meghan Markle. This marked their first international tour since stepping away from their senior working royal roles in 2020.
The couple's visit was due to an invitation from Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff, Christopher Gwabin Musa, the nation's top military official.
During their time in the country, Harry met with injured service members at a military hospital and attended a training session for the charity organization Nigeria: Unconquered. This outing was followed by a reception hosted by the Chief of Defense Staff in honor of military families.