Full inside story of the royals' worst year revealed by REBECCA ENGLISH: How Charles's cancer led to 'Operation Delphinium', the truth about his health and why the future now looks bright for the King and Kate, told by Palace sources
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It was Christmas last year, and the newly crowned King and Queen had just enjoyed what I am told were a 'lovely' few days at Sandringham with their nearest and dearest. Afterwards they escaped to Birkhall, the private Scottish residence adjoining Balmoral they truly see as their 'together home', for a few weeks of relaxation ahead of what looked to be another busy year.
![[Charles was left 'genuinely shaken' by Catherine's surgery and cancer diagnosis, which she announced in a video in March this year]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/20/16/93357879-14214461-Charles_was_left_genuinely_shaken_by_Catherine_s_surgery_and_can-a-37_1734712238447.jpg)
Then, out of blue, the blows began to come thick and fast. First there was the King's diagnosis of a benign prostate condition, followed by the announcement that the Princess of Wales would be in the same London hospital undergoing major abdominal surgery.
![[The King's shared experience of cancer has naturally deepened his affection for Catherine]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/20/15/93357881-14214461-image-a-53_1734710076376.jpg)
Days later Charles, 76, was given the shocking news that doctors had, by accident, discovered an unconnected form of cancer, along with the bombshell that his 42-year-old daughter-in-law herself needed to undergo preventative chemotherapy. 'The family hadn't even got through the first month of the year and their lives were already turned upside down,' a source says.
![[Her Majesty has now happily started the careful process of searching for another Battersea rescue dog to replace her beloved Beth, who died last month]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/20/15/93357883-14214461-image-a-54_1734710094811.jpg)
Today I can reveal exclusive new details of the year that rocked the monarchy – from those at the heart of events. But despite the trials and tribulations of the past 12 months, many in royal circles believe it has ultimately, left family members with a clearer sense of purpose than ever.
King Charles and Camilla in Sandringham for Christmas last year. While Charles was immediately reassured by his doctors that his cancer had been caught early and was, in their opinion, 'very treatable', the disease is, we all know, viciously unpredictable.
