Royal expert Richard Eden has been reporting on the Royal Family for years and says he has noticed one big change in King Charles since the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II
A Royal expert who has covered the Royal Family for years says they have spotted one major change in King Charles since the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal commentator Richard Eden was being interviewed on the Daily Mail’s Royal podcast Palace Confidential when he was asked what, if any, changes he had observed in the Firm since Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022.
In response Richard said that whilst he couldn’t think of any dramatic transformations, he had observed that the King was more tactile compared to his mother.
Whilst he attributed this to the late Queen’s lengthy reign and her age, he also said that the King’s cancer had played a part, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He explained: “I don’t think we’ve seen too many radical changes really. I think the thing that struck me actually is how much more tactile King Charles is than his mother.
“I think it’s partly she was Queen for so long there was so much respect and, obviously by the end she was a very elderly woman, that people kept their distance.
“You wouldn’t touch the Queen. We’ve seen with King Charles he’s remarkably tactile so he’s been hugging people. In a way I didn’t see that coming.”
Richard added: “I think his cancer has drawn him to the public even quicker perhaps, that sympathy, and the intimations of mortality. The fact that no one knows how long he’ll be around has warmed him to people and I think that’s increased that level of affection.”
King Charles has been battling an undisclosed form of cancer since early 2024, the same year that the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, also underwent treatment for an unknown form of the disease.
Despite his health challenges, he hasn’t let it hinder his Royal duties in 2025. According to the Court Circular, the official record of Royal engagements, he carried out duties on 175 days over the past 12 months, a significant increase from 133 days in his second year of reign.
While the specific type of cancer King Charles is fighting remains unknown, he has openly shared his experiences and reflections on living with the disease.
In a heartfelt message released to the public earlier this year, he noted that it “can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.”
He also paid tribute to the late renowned cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James, who passed away in 2022, quoting her words: “Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.”
