PR Expert Tells Us King Charles Broke His Silence On Cancer To Slow Speculation
Hear ye, hear ye! King Charles has broken his silence after his cancer diagnosis became public. While this is good news, a PR expert says Charles might be doing so to slow down speculation.
In early February 2024, Buckingham Palace broke the news that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. They said, "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer." Officials revealed that King Charles would take a step back from "public-facing duties" while taking on treatments for his diagnosis. Although they did not reveal what type of cancer the monarch is facing, they hoped that his announcement would "prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."
Royal officials may have been trying to stop speculation, but the internet quickly began discussing how bad Charles' diagnosis could be and what that would mean for the future of Great Britain. Amid all this conversation, Charles was spotted with Queen Camilla attending church less than a week after his health condition was revealed, according to HuffPost. Not only has he been seen publicly, but Charles has also spoken out about his diagnosis. However, crisis management expert and president of Gillott Communications Eden Gillott seems to think Charles' statement may be a strategic way to stop all the speculation surrounding his health.
PR expert thinks King Charles' had to speak on cancer diagnosis
Less than a week after King Charles was diagnosed with cancer, the British royal has broken his silence on the matter. Sharing a statement on social media, he said, "I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days." He continued, "As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement." Charles went on to explain how "heartening" it has been to see how his diagnosis has helped those have a deeper understanding of cancer and the organizations that support the health cause. Many take the king's statement as a sign that he is in good spirits, but PR expert Eden Gillott exclusively told Nicki Swift that she doesn't think he had an option.
First, speaking on the statement, Gillott explained, "King Charles' statement is brief and positive. The statement does an excellent job of showing gratitude while swiftly shifting attention towards others." She then dove into why Charles may have had to speak on his health condition, and it might have had something to do with all the speculation surrounding his diagnosis. Gillott said, "If he were to fall quiet for too long, speculation would swirl more rapidly regarding his health. Even though he didn't share details — positive or negative, this statement is a way of checking in."