King Charles left royal fans overcome by emotion as he presented a gift bag to an adorable flower girl outside University College Hospital in London on Tuesday afternoon
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King Charles receives flowers from little girl during royal visit
King Charles left royal fans emotional after a charming interaction with a young girl before he bravely told cancer patients about his own diagnosis.
The monarch paid a visit to University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today alongside Queen Camilla to learn about the latest treatments and chat with staff providing the pioneering care. He reassured those who asked about the state of his health, saying “I’m well” during his first public-facing event since being diagnosed in early February and also talked of his shock at receiving the news he had cancer earlier this year.
Looking relaxed and smiling, the King presented a gift bag to a little girl outside. The royals were greeted by the youngster handing the sovereign a bunch of flowers, and he responded in kind with his own gift, handing her a present with the royal insignia printed on the side.
The moment went down a treat with royal watchers on social media, with one saying saying on X: “How beautiful is that!! I have a bit of dust in my eye” while another commented: “awwwwww so sweet!!” A third wrote: “Such a thoughtful gesture by Charles and also thoughtful of the adorable little girl to give him flowers.”
The head of state did all he could to reassure well-wishers who had gathered to see him during his public return today, with Camilla holding the fort at royal engagements for the past couple of months. When being asked how his treatment was going, he responded: “I’m alright. Thank you” as Charles looked thrilled to be back on duty interacting with the public again.
The King, who has become Cancer Research UK’s new patron, has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February, and on Friday it was announced he would be returning to public-facing duties. The development indicated the positive progress Charles is making after almost three months of cancer care as an outpatient.
Charles asked one male patient whether he was using a cold cap – a device aimed at preventing hair loss during chemotherapy – and the King was heard to say it can ‘help’. The King and Queen both asked patients they spoke to about side-effects, particularly loss of appetite and taste, and tiredness.
Camilla left her husband for a few minutes and made her way to side cubicles, where she spoke to patients about their treatment. “There’s a real feeling of calm here,” she said to Judy Parkinson. “Everybody in the same boat, everyone can identify.” Patting the 69-year-old’s arm as she left, the Queen said: “I wish you the very best of luck, it’s a huge pleasure to meet you.”
Mrs Parkinson, who laughed as she heard the moment described as “two queens having a chat”, said: “I like it when people speak to you eye to eye. That’s what my mum taught me, and that’s what she did. Those were genuine questions being asked.”
