King Charles continues cancer treatment after returning to public duties for first time since diagnosis - live
The monarch, 75, will ease back into public life after a three-month break for his cancer treatment
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King Charles made a return to public duties with a visit to a hospital and specialist cancer centre in London on Tuesday.
The King, alongside Queen Camilla, met doctors and patients during the visit in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research taking place at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.
Both smiled broadly and waved to onlookers as they greeted staff including Baroness Neuberger, chairman of University London College Hospitals (UCLH), and David Probert, its chief executive.
It was the 75-year-old monarch’s first public engagement since his cancer diagnosis, and follows a statement issued by Buckingham Palace in which the King was said to be making positive progress in his treatment.
Charles was also announced as the new patron of Cancer Research UK taking over the patronage from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.
The public engagement also comes ahead of the planned return to the UK by Prince Harry for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games next week.
ICYMI: Privy Council ‘heartened’ by King Charles’s return to work
The Privy Council has released a statement celebrating King Charles’s return to work.
The Monarch returned to public-facing duties on 30 April after a three-month absence following his diagnosis with an undisclosed form of cancer.
In a statement posted to Twitter/X on 26 April, Lord President Penny Mordaunt said: “Like so many around the country, I am greatly heartened by news of the King’s improving health.
“He will have wanted to get back to public facing work as soon as possible.
“We in Parliament send our thanks and good wishes as he continues his recovery.”
Harry to return to UK for first time since Kate revealed cancer diagnosis
The Duke of Sussex will return to the UK next week for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games.
The Invictus Games first took place in London in 2014 and was founded by Prince Harry as a sporting event for injured and sick military personnel and veterans.
Harry will be at the service of thanksgiving at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 8 May, where he is expected to provide a reading.
Harry to return to UK for first time since Kate revealed cancer diagnosis
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will visit Nigeria next month after Harry attends an event in the UK
King Charles sends message of support to Hainault stabbing victims
King Charles III has offered his sympathies to “all those affected” by the “horrific” stabbings in Hainault on Tuesday,
“In particular, the family of the young victim who has lost his life,” Buckingham Palace said.
The Palace spokesman added: “Following the horrific scenes in Hainault this morning, the King has asked to be kept fully informed as details of the incident become clearer.
“He salutes the courage of the emergency services who helped contain the situation.”
In pictures: The King’s visit to the Macmillan Cancer Centre
King Charles made a return to public duties with a visit to a hospital and specialist cancer centre in London on Tuesday.
Inside King Charles’ rigid diet and strict exercise routine – and why he doesn’t eat lunch
In the decades spent waiting to ascend to the throne, King Charles has always ensured he maintained a strict diet and rigid daily exercise routine.
The 75-year-old monarch was diagnosed with a form of cancer in February, after a check up last month found an unrelated, enlarged prostate that proved to be benign.
While he stepped away temporarily from public-facing duties, he has lived an impressively healthy life up to now - barring several injuries from a lengthy polo career and two coronavirus infections during the pandemic.
In a list of 70 facts released by Clarence House in 2018 to mark the then-Prince Charles’ 70th birthday, it was revealed that he restricts himself to only two meals a day.
Read more here:
Inside King Charles’ strict diet and exercise routine – and why he doesn’t eat lunch
King Charles is known to maintain a healthy, sometimes meat-free diet
King Charles cancer diagnosis: The history of illnesses in the Royal Family
In February, King Charles shared he had been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
The Royal Family did not specify the form of cancer but he is still undergoing regular treatment and has postponed public duties.
Here is a look back at the history of health issues in the Royal Family:
History of illnesses in the Royal Family after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis
As King Charles undergoes treatment for cancer, here is a look back at other health conditions in the Royal Family
King speaks candidly about cancer diagnosis ‘shock’ with fellow patients
The King spoke of his “shock” at being diagnosed with cancer as he met fellow patients on his return to public-facing duties on Tuesday.
Charles candidly described the experience of being told he had the disease when he visited University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London, to learn about the latest treatments and chat to staff providing the pioneering care.
He also reassured those who asked about the state of his health, saying: “I’m well.”
David Probert, chief executive of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who hosted the visit, said: “His Majesty was full of great energy, he engaged with us really positively and as always was incredibly enthusiastic.”
The King, who looked relaxed and in good spirits, was joined on the visit by the Queen, and went on impromptu walkabouts, meeting staff who had stopped to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
Charles sympathised with cancer patient Lesley Woodbridge as she underwent chemotherapy alongside many others in a day unit, telling the 63-year-old: “It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?”
He added: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, becomes first royal to visit Ukraine since Russian invasion
The Duchess of Edinburgh has become the first member of the royal family to visit Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, meeting president Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife in Kyiv.
Sophie, 59, made the surprise visit on behalf of the Foreign Office to show solidarity with those impacted by the war and as part of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
The duchess champions the work of Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. She took on the role in 2019, on International Women’s Day.
Sophie becomes first member of royal family to visit Ukraine since war
Sophie met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, first lady Olena Zelenska, to support survivors of sexual violence
How King Charles’s T-Rex tie ‘gifted by Prince Louis’ told the story of his public return
King Charles shared a sign that he had a real “spring in his step” on his return to public duty yesterday.
The King, 75, subtly let royal fans know that he is feeling good by wearing a pink T-rex tie – reportedly a gift from one of his grandchildren – on his visit to a cancer treatment centre in London.
According to commentators, it is likely a gift from Prince Louis, six, who reportedly has a penchant for dinosaurs.
Read more here:
How King Charles’s t-rex tie told the story of his public return
The tie is reported to be a gift from dinosaur-loving Louis
In pictures: King of Lesotho visits Charles at Buckingham Palace
King Charles III during an audience with Letsie III the King of Lesotho at Buckingham Palace, London.
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