By disclosing his cancer, Charles breaks centuries of royal tradition. But he shares only so much

The palace’s disclosure that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer shattered centuries of British history and tradition. Following close behind the shock and well-wishing for the 75-year-old monarch came widespread surprise that the palace had announced anything at all. The death certificate for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, simply says she died of “old age” at 96. Her father, King George VI, did not himself know the severity of his lung and heart issues before he died — to say nothing of his family or the public. Some royal watchers say Charles owes the public more information, while others urge patience.