LIZ JONES: Charles, you're doing well so we're doing well. We're not ready for William yet…

'As the Queen herself did with such unwavering devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, during the remaining time that God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation… I will endeavor to to serve with loyalty, respect and love. , as I have done all my life.'

That was Charles' first televised speech since he became king after the death of his 'dear mother'. And that was the moment, right then, that I changed my mind about him and fell not in love, but in deep, deep affection. He's actually our top person.

Charles had always been there, all my life. A bit like wallpaper. I was too young to appreciate his so-called playboy years, and by the time he reached Diana, I was with her all the time.

She was a girly girl. The one time I met her, at a Christmas party, she spoke to me without looking over my shoulder for someone more interesting.

As for Charles, I wrote my first published piece, in the student newspaper, about the cruelty of polo. And how dare he not love Diana like we all did.

My opinion only changed when he became king. Even the leaky pen sting didn't detract from his new image: it only made him more human.

Who in their right mind, I remember thinking in the days after the Queen's death, would want their eldest son to tour the country while he was heartbroken with grief.

His features seemed softer and less anxious. Not happy that he can finally do 'good' work, but more comfortable in his own skin. I even warmed to Camilla: a bit cartoonish in the crown of her head at the coronation, but that made her one of us, approachable.

And how powerful it is to see a woman in her seventies, not as the media usually portrays them: frail, weak and lonely, but starting a new career, with a virile man by her side. There really is hope for all of us.

Then the news that the king has cancer. If cancer can take him, what hope does the rest of us have?

Charles eats flaxseed and fruit for breakfast, eschews lunch and avoids meat, fish and dairy on certain days, for God's sake. He goes everywhere and loves the outdoors. Of course he also had his stresses: the embarrassing leaked recordings of private conversations with his then mistress Camilla, his divorce, the death of Diana, the break with Harry, the death of his mother.

Are they less than the stress felt by those struggling to pay the rent or care for a family member? Illness is the great equalizer, despite the haters on social media who are currently demanding that the King be placed on the NHS waiting list like the rest of us.

But Karel is different. He did not choose to be sovereign. He knows we need him to be okay so that we can be okay. We are completely done with the change, thank you very much.

Charles's grandfather, George VI, was a chain smoker and died far too early, forcing Princess Elizabeth into office before she was quite ready to give up her (fairly) carefree family life. When Charles left the hospital, with the bad news no doubt already weighing heavily on his shoulders, his overcoat was not too big or ill-fitting, as some commentators lamented that day; instead he became smaller, smaller.

Liz Jones says none of us are quite ready for William, pictured with Kate, Harry and Meghan

Charles's grandfather, George VI, was a chain smoker and died far too early, says Liz Jones, prompting Princess Elizabeth to be employed before she was quite ready to give up family life

How sad for him, but even then he had to wear a shirt and tie, raise his arm and wave. I bet the first thing he said to William was, “I'm terribly sorry, dear boy…”

I think of my own father, still so handsome and active, who once killed Nazis and was struck by cancer at the age of 80, and all he whispered to my mother was, 'Tell the little girls that it makes me so regret.'

No offense, but none of us are quite ready for William. I want to see Kate fly like a kite again, for years to come, uncaged and burdened. We need someone who is wise and stable. I'll say it again: we don't need any more change.

I was just starting to enjoy Charles and Camilla, creaking but continuing. For the first time I can describe them both as 'sweet'.

The Queen is the kind of good egg you want in times of crisis: not hysterical, but factual, a bit lively and always on the funny side. She is a needle in his balloon and he loves her for that.

And it hates to say this, but… if you can walk through the gardens of Highgrove and take in the views from Birkhall, with the love of your life finally by your side, well, you might never leave want.

The Duke of Sussex, like the cavalry, is on its way. Even the news of him fastening his seat belt, no doubt about to embark on a bumpy ride, made me sob.

“Come on, Harry: if millions of us who have never met your father can feel so strongly about him, then surely you can provide him with real emotional comfort when he needs it most.”