The King has been given permission by doctors to return to public-facing duties for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer.
His Majesty is not yet clear of the disease and is still undergoing treatment, but his medical team are understood to be ‘pleased with the progress made so far’ and ‘remain positive’ about his recovery.
To mark the good news Buckingham Palace has announced two major milestone events, the first of many in the coming months, and passed on Their Majesties grateful thanks for all the good wishes they have received.
After his cancer diagnosis was announced on February 6, the King postponed all public-facing engagement but continued with his duties as head of state behind palace walls, conducting audiences and Privy Council meetings.
But on Tuesday the King and Queen will visit a cancer treatment centre – a deeply poignant engagement given his own cancer battle as well as that of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales – where they will meet medical specialists and patients. The royal event aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.
There are also plans to host an incoming state visit by The Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June at the request of the government.
Officials have also released a beautiful new portrait of Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, looking happy and relaxed in Buckingham Palace Gardens. The image was taken on April 10 – the day after their 19th wedding anniversary.
In a statement Buckingham Palace said tonight: ‘His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.
‘To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients. This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla, taken by portrait photographer Millie Pilkington, in Buckingham Palace Gardens on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary. The image is being released today to mark the first anniversary of their Coronation
King Charles III departs with Queen Camilla after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate at The London Clinic on January 29. The Monarch would later reveal he has cancer – but today there is good news as he is given permission by doctors to return to public-facing duties – but does not yet have the all clear
‘In addition, The King and Queen will host Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan for a State Visit in June, at the request of HM Government.
‘As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year.’
The Mail understands that the King is also hopeful of undertaking investitures – the handing out of honours to worthy members of the public – in the coming weeks and months.
Again, it is likely that the ceremonies will be adjusted to take account of his condition and ongoing treatment – perhaps with smaller numbers of recipients.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on whether members of the wider Royal Family, including Harry and Meghan, were informed of his news in advance.
Charles has been receiving care as an outpatient since early February, and the announcement will be a boost for the monarchy coming to terms with King and the Princess of Wales as cancer patients.
The King’s health crisis first became public in January when it was announced that he was going into hospital for surgery on an enlarged prostate.
He remained in The London Clinic for three days.
At the time it thought that the condition was not cancerous, but in February it was revealed subsequent tests had discovered presence of the disease elsewhere in his body.
Buckingham Palace have not revealed the nature of the cancer or details of the treatment he immediately began to receive.
Officials have stressed that His Majesty’s treatment for cancer is still ongoing, saying: ‘His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public facing duties. Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.’
They are not able, at this stage, to specify how long it will continue. A spokesman said: ‘It is too early to say, but His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about The King’s continued recovery.’
They added that ‘any public-facing engagements will be announced nearer the time in the usual way, and will remain subject to doctors’ advice’ and stressed that it would not be a ‘full summer programme’.
Officials are at pains to point out that the King has worked throughout his diagnosis and treatment, dealing with state papers, meeting with the Prime Minister and other dignitaries, and even undertaking engagements with small numbers of people behind palace walls.
The first sign that the future was looking more rosy was when he undertook a short public walkabout outside church at Windsor on Easter Sunday.
But he has been unable, until now, to undertake engagements involving large numbers of the public either inside or even outdoors.
The Princess of Wales spoke of the ‘huge shock’ of being diagnosed with cancer in a video released on March 22
Prince William, Prince of Wales, was all smiles as he was greeted by school children upon his visit to St. Michael’s Church of England School in Birmingham yesterday. He appeared very happy, perhaps after hearing the good news about his father
Reacting to the news of the King’s health update on X, formerly Twitter, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: ‘Brilliant news to end the week!’. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly also hailed the announcement as ‘fantastic news.’
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho also reacted to the announcement, saying ‘God Save The King’.
Meanwhile, Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was ‘delighted to see His Majesty looking so well, and returning to public duties’. He added: ‘On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish him and the Princess of Wales the best, as they continue their recovery with the support of their families.’
The chief of MI6 Richard Moore also shared his delight over the news, writing on X: ‘A morale boost for the weekend. Great news. God save The King!’
The Daily Mail has already exclusively revealed that planning is already underway for him to attend his official birthday celebrations, Trooping the Colour, as well as Royal Ascot and the summer garden parties.
It is unclear yet whether he will be able to travel to Normandy in June for the major D-Day anniversary commemorations or to Australia, New Zealand and Samoa as planned in October, but it is understood that the King is keen to if his health allows.
A spokesman added today: ‘ Planning continues for ways in which Their Majesties may attend such Summer and Autumn engagements, though nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed at this stage. All future plans remain subject to doctors’ advice nearer the time, with appropriate adaptations made where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.’
His duties will include both indoors and outdoors engagements, designed to minimise any health risks to him – such as picking up a cold or other bugs – while his health is compromised.
It is understood that each engagement will be reviewed carefully and managed to receive any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.
Asked how he was feeling, a spokesman said: ‘His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise.’
It is understood that the King is ‘looking forward’ to hosting June’s Japanese state visit, but planning remains fluid as doctors continue to monitor the King’s health.
In a separate statement, the palace said: ‘Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan have accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom in late June 2024.’
The visit had previously been scheduled in spring 20202 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Prince Louis’ birthday portrait (pictured) was taken by his mother and released as he turned six this week
The King has visited Japan on five occasions as The Prince of Wales including the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito, in 2019 and Emperor Akihito in 1990 and visited on three other occasions, in 2008, 1986 and 1970.
The Emperor and Empress of Japan attended the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. This was Their Majesties’ first overseas trip after The Emperor’s enthronement.
The Emperor of Japan also attended the reception hosted by The King for Heads of State and Official Overseas Guests at Buckingham Palace on 18th September 2022, on the evening before the State Funeral.
On Tuesday The King, who is patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, will visit an undisclosed cancer treatment centre accompanied by Queen Camilla to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, after his own experiences, as well highlight innovative research supported by Cancer Research UK.
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