Buckingham Palace has answered some of the questions people may have about King Charles as he is set to return to public duties following his recent cancer diagnosis
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King to resume public duties after positive cancer treatment
King Charles will soon return to public royal duties after taking time off for treatment following his cancer diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace announced today that the monarch will shortly be returning to royal engagements after a “period of treatment and recuperation”. Charles, 75, has been receiving care as an outpatient since February after it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer. Other members of the Royal Family have since stepped in to fulfil his external engagements.
The King continues to be treated for the disease as he returns to work. Next Tuesday, the King and Queen Camilla will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre where they will “meet medical specialists and patients”. The Palace has confirmed this will be the first of many public duties that Charles will undertake in the weeks ahead. Here is everything we know so far…
How is the King feeling?
The King is positive about his cancer treatment and looking forward to returning to public duties. The palace 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.” His team will ensure the work he does take on is appropriate while his treatment continues, in line with his medical team’s advice.
Has Charles finished cancer treatment?
The King has not finished his treatment for cancer and will receive ongoing care. The palace said: “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.”
How long will Charles’ treatment last?
It is not known how much longer Charles will need treatment for cancer. The treatment is currently going well. The palace explained: “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.”
What will Charles’ return to work look like?
The King will return to public-facing duties on Tuesday and attend more external engagements in the coming weeks. It is understood Charles will be able to meet people face-to-face, though each engagement will be reviewed individually. His work schedule will be less full than usual over the summer. He looks forward to hosting the Japanese State Visit in June, though it is unsure exactly what this will involve.
The palace said: “Any public-facing engagements will be announced nearer the time in the usual way, and will remain subject to doctors’ advice, but it will not be a full summer programme. His Majesty will of course continue with all official State business and selected Audiences, as he has done throughout his period of treatment.”
They added: “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.”
