King Charles III kicked off his return to public duty with a visit to a cancer treatment charity, where he discussed with patients the “shock” he felt upon learning of his cancer diagnosis some three months ago.
The King was accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, on Tuesday for a visit at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London. They both appeared in good spirits, smiling and waving at well-wishers gathered outside to greet them. Inside the facility, they were shown some of the more innovative technology on-site before sitting down to chat with some of the patients there, BBC News reported.
When asked how he was doing, the 75-year-old monarch responded: “I’m all right, thanks. Not too bad.”
“We’ve all got to stick together,” one patient told him, per BBC.
King Charles also sympathized with those receiving care at the cancer center, telling them he had his own “treatment this afternoon as well.” He also explained his appearance at the cancer center is part of his desire to raise awareness of the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other health problems.
The royal has kept a mostly low profile since Feb. 6, when Buckingham Palace announced that he would be taking a break from public duties to focus on his treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.
Buckingham Palace on Friday confirmed King Charles got the go-ahead to resume his public duties, though it will likely be a slow and cautious return. It’s unclear how many of the summer’s traditional royal events Charles will attend as his treatment continues, such as the king’s formal birthday parade and the horse racing at Royal Ascot. The palace noted last week that doctors were “very encouraged” by the king’s progress, but that his schedule would be adjusted as needed to protect his recovery.
With News Wire Services