[Abernathy]

So, Princess Katie has the cancer too.

I’m genuinely sorry to hear this, anti-monarchist though I am.

Hope she gets better PDQ.

[Bones McCoy]

Tomorrow (23rd) it'll be two years precisely when I was wheeled into theatre to have mine cut out.
Rather like the Princess, I'd been under observation / treatment for a lesser problem when the big C entered stage left.
I can't speak highly enough about my NHS treatment, 7 days between biopsy and surgery.
Fortunately for me, the post surgery lab tests showed no metastasis (of whatever's the word for spreading).
I'm clear for now.

My heart goes out to anybody receiving a diagnosis.
It takes a remarkably robust individual to not fall into doubt, panic and desolation.
I was fortunate that a quick surgery date (and several pre-surgery appointments since we were still in covid regs) provided little thinking time.

Princess Catherine's broadcast was incredibly well presented.
If I were to guess (with no qualifications) I'd say she's extremely low risk.
But what I know of chemo is that it's a harsh regime which takes a lot out of the patient.
My evidence is from several patients who've refused a second course, and accepted their fate.

Apologies for the ramble, it's a bit raw at this time of year.

I consider myself republican aligned (in the UK sense, not the American one).
I don't like the institution, though I have no practical plan to abolish / replace it.
This doesn't imply the slightest wish of misfortune to any of the individuals in the family (let me think about "Andy" ...).
I really don't get off on human suffering, even for alleged nonces; but I digress...

Good luck to the princess.
I hope she comes through with minimal discomfort.
I know she will enjoy the best care possible.

Our peculiar institution puzzles me more than it repulses me.
I have no hostility toward the persons involved.

But I expect most oncologists to recommend not eating swan.

[Abernathy]

The Return of the King : Chas is apparently ready to resume Kinging duties.

Good news.

[kreuzberger]

I don't wish ill upon him or (m)any other living souls, but I would happily see the monarchy and its layers of royal highnessery consigned to the curious world of philately. Or burned with phosphorous.

Either would do.

[Watchman]

As a human to human, yes it is good news, but I doubt I’ll be able to handle all the “Oo, isn’t he brave” reporting that will follow

[satnav]

The fawning media seem to have ignored the fact that members of the royal family were very good at dodging cancer until chain smoking Camilla married into the family.

[Andy McDandy]

George VI could cane them for Britain. I understand that Liz, for obvious reasons, and Phil, as a health nut, strongly objected to the kids sparking up.

[The Weeping Angel]

The fawning media seem to have ignored the fact that members of the royal family were very good at dodging cancer until chain smoking Camilla married into the family.

Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII and George VI were all heavy smokers.

[davidjay]

The fawning media seem to have ignored the fact that members of the royal family were very good at dodging cancer until chain smoking Camilla married into the family.

Indeed. Who'd have thought that a life of eating well, access to the best health care and avoiding polluted atmospheres would be beneficial?

[Crabcakes]

George VI could cane them for Britain. I understand that Liz, for obvious reasons, and Phil, as a health nut, strongly objected to the kids sparking up.

It’s also fairly well known* that the Queen mum smoked a pipe.

*by ‘well known’ I mean ‘well known since I made up this rumour a few years ago and keep dropping it into conversations in the hope it catches on’

[Andy McDandy]

It wasn't baccy she was smoking either.

Around Clarence House it wasn't uncommon to see "Backstairs Billy" darting out to score some rocks off the Mall endz candyman.