You wouldn’t think a day that starts with planting a tree could end with heartfelt reflections on cancer and royal duties, but for King Charles, that’s just how things unfolded this week at Windsor.
Alongside Queen Camilla and the visiting King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Charles balanced tradition, diplomacy, and emotion in a day full of symbolism and connection.
Royal Bonds Rooted in Nature at Windsor
On a peaceful evening at Windsor, the British and Swedish royals came together for a special moment—planting a Swedish oak tree to mark King Charles’s coronation anniversary.
This wasn’t just any tree.
It came from the royal nursery at Sweden’s Solliden Palace and will be mirrored by another planted in Stockholm’s Royal Djurgården, symbolizing a growing friendship.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, and King Carl strolled down from the castle for the event, while Queen Silvia, still recovering from foot surgery, arrived by car.
The two kings were so engrossed in conversation with forestry staff that Camilla had to nudge her husband along to actually get planting—since they had another engagement to attend.
With a historic spade once used by Carl’s great-grandfather in 1908, the kings got to work.
After a few laughs and some shovels of soil, they gently shook the tree together for good luck.
Then it was the queens’ turn—with watering cans in hand and a few cheeky comments from Camilla about where to pour.
A Special Tree with a Historic Legacy
The Swedish oak now stands near another tree planted with a similar spade over a century ago.
Charles even pointed out that it sits close to a tree gifted by the late Pope Francis five years ago—proof that Windsor is quietly growing into a forest of royal friendships and shared values.
King Carl was delighted to see that the tradition had been carried on, and both kings vowed to keep an eye on the newly planted tree.
“If we’re lucky, it’ll take to the soil,” Charles said warmly, promising to personally watch over it from the castle nearby.
From Planting Trees to Honoring Heroes
There wasn’t much time to linger, as Charles and Camilla rushed back to Windsor Castle for a reception honoring the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.
They were joined by Prince William, who had just returned from a romantic anniversary getaway to the Isle of Mull with Princess Kate.
Back in Stockholm, King Carl had just celebrated his 79th birthday, which included a special appearance by his newest granddaughter, Princess Ines Marie Lilian Silvia—born to Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia.
Her public debut added a joyful note to the Swedish king’s week.
A Candid and Compassionate Message About Cancer
While the day included ceremonial moments and joyful reunions, King Charles also made time for something deeply personal.
At Buckingham Palace, he shared a heartfelt message with cancer patients and caregivers—his most personal public comments yet on his own battle with the illness.
Diagnosed with cancer 15 months ago, Charles acknowledged how frightening and isolating the experience can be.
Drawing inspiration from the late Dame Deborah James, he encouraged others to “find a life worth enjoying” and “always, always have rebellious hope.”
He praised the thousands working in cancer care and research across the UK, noting how their compassion shines brightest in life’s darkest moments.
“It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening,” he wrote.
A Monarch Breaking with Tradition in the Most Human Way
While Buckingham Palace has kept details of his cancer private—including the type and treatment—Charles’s willingness to speak about it at all marks a shift in royal tradition.
By sharing his journey, he’s showing a more relatable side of the monarchy—one that resonates with the challenges many people face.
Despite the diagnosis, aides say the King’s health is moving in a positive direction.
His busy calendar, full of national and international engagements, is proof of his resilience and commitment.