The king has received clearance from doctors to return to public duties for the first time since he was diagnosed with cancer.
Her Majesty has not yet recovered from the illness and is still undergoing treatment, but her medical team says they are “pleased with the progress made so far” and “remain positive” about her recovery.
To mark this good news, Buckingham Palace has announced two milestone events, the first of many in the coming months, and conveyed grateful thanks to Their Majesties for all the good wishes they have received.
After his cancer diagnosis was announced on February 6, the king postponed any public engagements, but continued to carry out his duties as head of state behind the palace walls, leading audiences and meetings of the Privy Council.
But on Tuesday, the King and Queen will visit a cancer treatment center – a deeply poignant engagement given his own battle with cancer as well as that of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales – where they will meet specialist doctors and patients. The royal event aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight the innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.
It is also planned to host a state visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June at the request of the government.
Authorities also released a stunning new portrait of Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, looking happy and relaxed in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. The image was taken on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said this evening: “His Majesty The King will soon return to public duties following a period of treatment and recovery following his recent cancer diagnosis.
“To mark this milestone, the King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment center next Tuesday, where they will meet specialist doctors and patients. The visit will be the first in a series of external engagements that Her Majesty will undertake this in the coming weeks.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla, taken by portrait photographer Millie Pilkington, in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary. The image is released today to mark the first anniversary of their coronation.
King Charles III leaves with Queen Camilla after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate at the London Clinic on January 29. The monarch would later reveal that he was suffering from cancer – but today there was good news as doctors gave him permission to return to the public eye. functions – but does not yet have the green light
“In addition, the King and Queen will welcome Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June, at the request of His Majesty’s Government.
“As we approach the first anniversary of the coronation, 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 the king also hopes to undertake investitures – the giving of honors to deserving members of the public – in the coming weeks and months.
Again, it is likely that the ceremonies will be adapted to take into account his condition and ongoing treatment – perhaps with a smaller number of recipients.
Buckingham Palace declined to say whether members of the wider royal family, including Harry and Meghan, had been informed of his news in advance.
Charles has been receiving outpatient care since early February, and the announcement will be a boost to the monarchy accepting the King and Princess of Wales as cancer patients.
The king’s health crisis first became public in January when it was announced that he would be hospitalized for surgery following an enlarged prostate.
He stayed at the London Clinic for three days.
At the time he thought the condition was not cancerous, but in February it emerged that subsequent tests had discovered the presence of the disease elsewhere in his body.
Buckingham Palace did not reveal the nature of the cancer or details of the treatment he immediately began receiving.
Officials stressed that His Majesty’s cancer treatment was still ongoing, saying: “His Majesty’s treatment program will continue, but doctors are satisfied enough with the progress made so far that the King is now in able to resume a certain number of public functions. Future engagements will be adapted as necessary to minimize any risk to Her Majesty’s continued recovery.
They are unable, at this stage, to specify how long this will last. A spokesperson said: “It is too early to tell, but Her Majesty’s medical team is very encouraged by the progress made so far and remains positive about the King’s continued recovery.”
They added that “any public commitments will be announced later, in the usual way, and will remain subject to medical advice” and stressed that it would not be a “full summer programme”.
The Daily Mail has previously exclusively revealed plans are already underway for him to attend his official birthday celebrations, Trooping the Color, as well as Royal Ascot and summer garden parties.
The Princess of Wales spoke of the “huge shock” of being diagnosed with cancer in a video posted on March 22.
Prince William, Prince of Wales, was all smiles as he was greeted by schoolchildren during his visit to St. Michael’s Church of England School in Birmingham yesterday. He looked very happy, perhaps after hearing the good news about his father.
It is not yet clear whether he will be able to travel to Normandy in June for the major D-Day commemorations or to Australia, New Zealand and Samoa as planned in October, but it is understood that the king is keen to do so if his health permits. .
A spokesperson added today: “Planning continues to enable Their Majesties to attend such summer and autumn engagements, although nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed at this stage. All future plans remain subject to medical advice as close to the moment as possible, with appropriate adaptations made where necessary to minimize any risk to Her Majesty’s continued recovery.
His duties will include indoor and outdoor engagements, designed to minimize any risks to his health – such as contracting colds or other bugs – while his health is compromised.
It is understood that each engagement will be carefully considered and managed to take into account any risks to Her Majesty’s continued recovery.
Asked how he was feeling, a spokesperson said: “Her Majesty is greatly encouraged to return to some public duties and very grateful to her medical team for their continued care and expertise.”
It is understood the king is “looking forward” to hosting the Japanese state visit in June, 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 at the end of June 2024.”
The visit was originally planned for spring 20202 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Prince Louis’ birthday portrait (pictured) was taken by his mother and released when he turned six this week
The King visited Japan on five occasions as Prince of Wales, including for 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 trip abroad after the Emperor’s enthronement.
The Emperor of Japan also attended the reception given by the King to heads of state and overseas official guests at Buckingham Palace on September 18, 2022, the day before the state funeral.
On Tuesday, the King, who is patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, will visit an undisclosed cancer treatment center accompanied by Queen Camilla to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, following his own experiences, and will also highlight the innovative research supported by Cancer Research UK.
dailymail us
