The British Royal Household has long been notorious for its medical practices and preferences, with recent controversies surrounding the choices of doctors for the Royal Family. In 2014, after almost a decade of service, Isabel II appointed Huw Thomas as her senior doctor, recognizing his expertise and qualifications. Thomas, a Trinity College Cambridge and London Hospital Medical College graduate, had training in prestigious British hospitals and contributed to the Cancer Research Fund. His dedication and care were acknowledged in 2021 when he received the Badge of Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order from Queen Elizabeth II. However, at the age of 96, Thomas passed away, leaving a void in the Royal Household’s medical staff.
In December 2023, Charles III made headlines by appointing Michel Dixon, a proponent of homeopathy, as the doctor for the Royal Family. This decision was met with criticism from the medical community, as it was seen as inappropriate and worrying. Reports surfaced of Dixon prescribing unconventional treatments, such as African bush remedies and herbal supplements, raising concerns about the Royal Family’s healthcare practices.
The controversy deepened when Charles III and Princess Kate Middleton were both set to undergo medical procedures. While Charles III was scheduled for surgery, Princess Kate Middleton was admitted to The London Clinic for an abdominal operation. The Royal Family’s choice of conventional medicine for these treatments further fueled the debate, with alternative therapy professionals and NHS doctors expressing their disapproval.
The situation has prompted discussions about the intersection of traditional and alternative medicine in the Royal Family’s healthcare decisions. As the public continues to scrutinize these choices, the controversy surrounding the appointment of Michel Dixon as the Royal Family’s doctor remains at the forefront of the healthcare debate.