#TB: Richard E Grant’s writing on the The King’s kindness to his wife during her cancer battle

The extracts are from Richard’s book “Pocketful Of Happiness” – September 2022. Full article linked below:

Monday February 15

Decades ago, I was invited to become an ambassador for The Prince's Trust and was seated beside Camilla Parker Bowles at a dinner in St James's Palace.

She was so forthright, open, curious and funny that we got along instantly and were subsequently invited to spend the weekend with her and Prince Charles at Sandringham, then Highgrove, and to attend their wedding.

Camilla sends flowers with a note – 'Thinking of you at this horrid time' – which made both of us chuckle.

No attempt at euphemisms. Much appreciated by my no-nonsense Aberdonian wife, who is equally direct.

Tuesday February 16

Prince Charles sends Joan a two-page, handwritten letter, full of love, compassion, empathy and encouragement. Joan wonders: 'How has he managed to do this in between endless commitments and calls on his time?' Clearly very touched.

Wednesday July 21

Email from Buckingham Palace to ask if Prince Charles can drop in on Sunday at 12.30pm before he departs for his summer holiday in Scotland.

Regretfully, we have to be in London that day. An hour later, a second email: 'The Prince wondered if he could drop in today at about 2.30pm instead?'

'Of course, yes.'

Security officer calls at 2.40pm to alert me that HRH 'is five minutes away'. Meet the Prince, who's dressed in a beautiful cream linen suit and carrying a bag of mangos and a bunch of highly scented roses from his Highgrove garden.

Instantly at ease, and complimentary about our cottage and garden, he hugs and kisses Joan, then sits beside her on the sofa in the pergola. They chat non-stop for the next half-hour. At one point, taking her hand and saying, 'It's been an absolute honour to have known you, Joan', to which she quips, 'I'm still here!' which makes us all laugh.

Talked of the spiritual journey ahead, the 'armoury' of true love, full of empathy and tenderness. Intuited when she was beginning to flag, and, before taking his leave, asked, 'Would it be okay if Camilla dropped in next week?'

Before he got into his car, he said, 'I hold you both very dear in my heart.'