King Charles made his first public engagement since his diagnosis today - revealing, as he met patients at a cancer centre in London, he would be receiving his own treatment hours later.
The King, announced on 30 April as the new patron of Cancer Research UK, smiled and waved upon arriving at a Macmillan Cancer Centre. Accompanied by Queen Camilla, he reassured crowds that he was in good health, telling one fellow patient: ‘I’m all right thank you very much, not too bad.'
As patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, King Charles learnt about cutting-edge research and had sympathetic chats with other patients undergoing chemotherapy. During one conversation, he said he ‘had treatment this afternoon as well’.
This is the King’s first official event since doctors advised him to refrain from public engagements while undergoing treatment for the disease. It comes after an encouraging statement about his health from Buckingham Palace. The King’s doctors were said to be ‘very encouraged’ by his progress.
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While His Royal Highness still has an undisclosed form of the disease, he appeared delighted to return to his public role, offering gifts to the crowd as before departing in the royal Bentley.
The King has been working behind the scenes throughout his treatment, including meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
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Prior to the visit, a spokesperson for the Palace said that “doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that the King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.’ The statement had an air of cautious optimism, reminding the public that The King is continuing his treatment programme. They added: ‘Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.’
It means we may see an adjusted royal calendar this summer, over a period that includes events such as Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, and the Trooping of the Colour.
This good news comes after a difficult few weeks for the Royal Family, with both the King and the Princess of Wales receiving cancer diagnoses. Kate Middleton asked that the public grant her and her family some ‘time, space and privacy’ while she undergoes chemotherapy treatment. Reports from The Telegraph yesterday suggested that Kate might be eager to attend events over the coming months. Sources say that the Princess of Wales ‘may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to.’
The Prince of Wales returned to public duties on 18th April for the first time since his wife’s announcement. Today, the Prince was in good spirits as he visited a finalist for his Earthshot Prize in Seaham.
