King Charles turns 77 today, with the British monarch considered to be in good health as he celebrates his birthday.
However, the King, who has faced difficulties within the royal family lately, including the removal of Prince Andrew’s title, has also been dealing with health issues over the past two years.
The King, who technically celebrates his birthday in the summer with the Trooping of the Colour, has undergone a lifestyle change and even stepped back from royal duties at one point to recover and improve his health.
King Charles was first diagnosed with a type of cancer after undergoing surgery for an enlarged prostate in February 2024. Buckingham Palace confirmed the diagnosis in an official statement, making it clear that he would be stepping back from public-facing duties while undergoing treatment, yet would continue to perform his constitutional role from behind the scenes.
Writing in his new book The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty, Mr Jobson said that William urged the King to slow down and listen to his medical team. According to the author, the monarch issued a brisk, two-word response: “Think again.”
However, the King did step back when needed, including calling off a packed day trip to Birmingham to focus on his recovery after experiencing what was described as “temporary side effects” or a “bump in the road.” The King often took to his Highgrove residence to recuperate during his treatment, as friends of the King referred to Highgrove as a “a place of great comfort” for Charles throughout his fight against cancer.
In his book, Jobson also revealed that the King uses a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to keep his airways open and prevent breathing problems.
He wrote, “Charles’s life and energy levels improved dramatically after he started using a CPAP machine, introduced to him by former US Vice President Al Gore when he hosted him at Highgrove, to treat the condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, causing fatigue and poor concentration.” He added, “He now swears by the device that delivers steady air pressure to keep airways open, preventing disruptions. Although it does mean that Charles and Camilla sometimes sleep apart.”
Despite his numerous health struggles, Jobson has also emphasized that Charles consistently maintains a positive outlook on life. According to him, the monarch loves joking with friends about his sleep apnea, saying he has reached a ‘worryingly decrepit stage’ of life.
