In a recent move that has left royal enthusiasts uneasy, King Charles III has appointed a new doctor to lead the medical wing of the Royal Household. The 75-year-old monarch’s health has become a topic of concern among fans, who, while acknowledging his efficient management of the Firm’s affairs with a sound mind, are wary of his advanced age.
Dr. Michael Dixon, a veteran with nearly 50 years of service in the NHS and a part-time GP in Devon, is the newly appointed head of the Royal Medical Household. Notably, Dr. Dixon is an advocate for the use of homeopathic remedies and has previously served as a medical adviser to the King during his time as the Prince of Wales.
While the Royal Medical Household oversees the health of the Sovereign and other members of the royal family, concerns have been raised about the endorsement of homeopathy. Buckingham Palace clarified in a statement to the Telegraph that Dr. Dixon is a practicing GP, a Fellow of the Royal College of GPs, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.
The statement emphasized that Dr. Dixon does not believe homeopathy can cure cancer, and his stance is that complementary therapies can coexist with conventional treatments if they are safe, appropriate, and evidence-based.
Despite these clarifications, academics and campaigners have expressed worries, deeming the appointment “worrying and inappropriate.” Edzard Ernst, an emeritus professor at the University of Exeter, criticized the support for homeopathy, asserting that it undermines evidence-based medicine and rational thinking. Professor Ernst, drawing on years-old research, highlighted that homeopathy is not an effective therapy and suggested its only legitimate place is in the history books of medicine.
As King Charles III’s health takes center stage, the royal household’s medical decisions continue to draw attention and scrutiny from various quarters.
