King Charles has ‘endless plates and screws’ in his arm as he jokes about ‘dropping dead’ during health centre visit
King Charles was diagnosed with cancer last yearKing Charles has made a rare joke about his health during a visit to a medical centre on Wednesday (November 5).
The king visited Chatfield Health Care centre in West London. It is one of the first GP practices to join the NHS Veteran Friendly programme.
While he was there, he spoke to many different former Armed Forces personnel about their experiences and how they used the medical centre for help. And it was during a conversation with one veteran that King Charles actually revealed more about his own health.
King Charles jokes about ‘dropping dead’
During his visit to the medical centre, King Charles had tea with five different veterans to hear how the facility supports former servicemen and women. The facility is one of 4,450 veteran-friendly practices in England. It currently has 49 veterans but there could be up to 120 in the local area.
While speaking to veteran David Wiggins, as reported by HELLO!, Charles found a way to bond with him through his own previous struggles.
David’s left arm was in cast after he fell off his bike in Richmond Park and fractured both his elbow and wrist. And it seems King Charles has had his own experiences with things like that.
The 76-year-old king said: “Are they keeping that under control? I’m so glad.”
Then David revealed that he had three plates in his arm.
Charles responded: “I have got endless plates and screws in my arm as well. All that is left of you when you drop dead is ‘Made in Switzerland.'”
The king went on to praise the centre, telling the group: “I am so glad. I hadn’t realised there was this marvellous effort in specialising with veterans in GP practices which is clearly making a big difference.”
When speaking to Dr Shane Barker, Charles was told about how some veterans don’t like to “burden anyone” with their issues and want to “sort it out themselves”.
But Charles responded: “The difficulty, I suspect, is that when you leave the forces, you are leaving that whole family of your unit. You’re suddenly left wondering what to do. I presume that it must be a great help.”
Charles’ health issues
King Charles has had his own health woes in the last year as he has spent quite some time being treated for cancer.
In January 2024, the king discovered he had cancer and the news was announced by Buckingham Palace. It came after he had undergone treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
While Charles shared his diagnosis with the world, it was never specified what kind of cancer he has. However, the palace confirmed that the king didn’t have prostate cancer.
For a few months in 2024, King Charles took some time away from his public engagements to focus on his health. But he ultimately returned to work in April 2024.
Back in September, while making an appearance to open the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Charles made a rare comment about cancer.
During a conversation with a fellow cancer patient, Matthew Shinda, Charles said that “half the problem is detecting it in time”. He added: “The great thing is they are getting better and better. There is always hope down the road.”
Read more: King Charles’ ‘two-word’ response to Prince William’s request over royal duties
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