King Charles resumes public duties as he fights cancer

Britain’s King Charles has made his first official public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer, after doctors said they were “very encouraged” by the progress of his treatment.

The 75-year-old and his wife Queen Camilla toured the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London, which diagnoses and treats a wide range of cancers.

King Charles suspended public-facing duties in February after cancer was found while he was being treated for an enlarged prostate the previous month.

The exact nature of his cancer has not been disclosed.

His daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, 42, underwent abdominal surgery in January and said in March that she was receiving chemotherapy.

Again, no details were given about what type of cancer she has.

The event, the first in a number of planned engagements in the coming weeks, is designed to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis and highlight innovative research.

King Charles is patron of Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support while the queen is president of Maggie’s, another cancer-support charity.

Charles, who succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth in September 2022, was officially crowned king on 6 May last.

He has been seen attending church services since his diagnosis and at selected audiences. He has also continued his official state business.

On Friday, Buckingham Palace said doctors were “very encouraged” by the progress of his treatment and were “positive” about his continued recovery.

His treatment as an out-patient will continue but his schedule in the coming weeks will be reduced and subject to medical advice, a spokesperson added.

One upcoming engagement is a state visit by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan in June.

Members of the public last week welcomed King Charles’s return to some duties and hailed him for raising awareness about cancer, which will affect one in two people, according to Cancer Research UK.

The cancer diagnoses have created a headache for the British royal family, with both having postponed public engagements.

Prince William has also taken a step back to support his wife and their three young children, leaving fewer senior royals to fill the schedule.

Queen Camilla, 76, has stepped in to take over many of her husband’s engagements.

King Charles’s sister Princess Anne and his youngest brother Prince Edward have also taken on more prominent roles.

His estranged younger son, Prince Harry, is no longer a working royal but is expected in London on 8 May to mark the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games for disabled military veterans.

He will then join his American wife Meghan on a visit to Nigeria.