Tom Parker Bowles says the 'King is strong' amid cancer battle, but diagnosis is still 'terrifying'
Just eight months after sharing the news of his cancer diagnosis, King Charles has undertaken a packed nine-day schedule during his royal tour of Australia and Samoa.
Upon news of the King's illness, many asked whether the 75-year-old would be able to make the trip Down Under with a 22-hour flight and a packed schedule each day, but according to his stepson and godson, Tom Parker Bowles, "the King is strong."
Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla, shared with People his admiration for both his mother and stepfather.
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Tom Parker Bowles shared his admiration for the King and Queen. Getty
"He is doing what he can," he said of the monarch. "He's following the advice of his doctors. Fingers crossed, touch wood."
Parker Bowles added that he believes Charles is a "magnificent King", but doesn't deny that his cancer diagnosis has taken a toll on not only the King himself, but the whole family.
"It's a terrifying disease, and when someone close to you gets it in whatever capacity, it's a very worrying thing," he said.
"But my mother is strong as well. She supports him in every way. I think it's wonderful to have someone you love by your side."
The royals recently completed their Australian tour despite the King revealing his cancer diagnosis just eight months ago. Getty
The royals first arrived in Australia on Friday October 18, they took a day to rest after their long travels, and by Sunday were up bright and early to greet the public at St Thomas' Anglican Church in North Sydney.
They spent their time Down Under across both Sydney and Canberra, visiting sites such as the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House and meeting with leaders and members of the community.
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They departed on Wednesday morning to continue their tour in Samoa. Getty
The royals finished off their Australian tour with a meet and greet with the public at the Sydney Opera House, before departing on Wednesday morning to continue their tour in Samoa.
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