On Tuesday, King Charles III reportedly told fellow cancer patients that he was “doing well”. He attended his first official public meeting since being diagnosed with cancer.
He and his wife Camilla met patients and staff at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Center in London. He spoke to patients undergoing chemotherapy at a day unit, including 60-year-old Asha Millen, who has bone marrow cancer.
“I said, ‘how are you?’ and he said ‘I’m fine,'” she later told reporters.
Another patient, Lesley Woodbridge (63), says the king was very sympathetic and added: “I also have to undergo my treatment this afternoon.”
75-year-old Charles suspended almost all his duties in February when he was diagnosed. He was treated for an enlarged prostate the previous month. The exact nature of his cancer has not been disclosed, but doctors said last week they were “very encouraged” by the progress of his outpatient treatment and they were “positive” about his recovery.
His 42-year-old daughter-in-law Catherine, the Princess of Wales, underwent stomach surgery in January and revealed in March that she was also receiving chemotherapy. No details were released about her type of cancer. Kate, as she is commonly known, is married to Charles’ eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince William.
Tuesday’s meeting was the first in a series of planned meetings to raise awareness about the importance of an early cancer diagnosis. It also puts the spotlight on innovative research, Buckingham Palace said.
Charles, who succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, was officially crowned on May 6 last year.
His treatment continues, but his schedule will be reduced over the next few weeks and will be subject to medical advice, a spokesperson added.
A state visit in June by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan is one of the items on his calendar.
David Probert, chief executive of the hospital, said Charles “deliberately made an effort to meet as many staff and patients as he could”.
Patients were “delighted” to see him, he added Sky News said and he described the visit as “incredibly uplifting”.
Charles and Kate’s cancer diagnoses meant the royal family had to struggle when both had to postpone their public engagements.
William also stepped back to support his wife and their three young children. So there are few senior royals who can keep up the schedule.
Camilla (76) arranged many of her husband’s appointments. Charles’ sister Princess Anne and his younger brother Prince Edward also took on more prominent roles.
Charles’ largely estranged younger son, Prince Harry, is no longer a working royal but is expected to be in London on May 8 for the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games for disabled military veterans. He will then join his American wife Meghan for a visit to Nigeria.
Thank you to all at @UCLH and @MacmillanCancer for your tireless work to provide cancer patients with the best care and support.
Marking His Majesty’s return to public duties, The King and Queen spent time with patients to hear about their ongoing treatment and support. pic.twitter.com/QISH3gFnF6
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 30, 2024
