The royal who had a lung removed was King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. He underwent surgery in 1951 to remove his left lung due to lung cancer.
King George VI's Lung Cancer and Surgery
King George VI was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1951. The diagnosis came as a shock, as he was a heavy smoker and had been experiencing persistent coughing and chest pains. Due to the severity of his condition, doctors recommended a radical surgery to remove his left lung.
The surgery was a success, and King George VI recovered well. He continued to reign for another six years, despite the challenges of his health.
The Impact of the Surgery on King George VI's Reign
While the surgery saved King George VI's life, it had a significant impact on his health and ability to perform his royal duties. He was forced to reduce his public appearances and relied more heavily on his staff to carry out his responsibilities.
Despite the challenges, King George VI remained a popular and respected monarch. He is remembered for his courage and determination in the face of adversity, particularly during World War II.
Note: This answer focuses on King George VI as the most prominent royal to undergo a lung removal surgery. There may be other royals throughout history who have undergone similar procedures, but their cases are less well-documented.