King Charles released a sweet new photo showing him tenderly gazing at his wife Queen Camilla as he announced his return to public royal duties.
The touching image of the couple linking arms, was released as it was revealed doctors were “pleased” with his progress after “positive” cancer treatment. The snap was taken in Buckingham Palace gardens a day after they celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary.
It shows his incredible progress since his cancer shock earlier this year and was released to mark the anniversary of his coronation. Sources stressed despite the welcome news, the King still has cancer and will continue to be treated for the undisclosed form of the disease.
Talking about how long His Majesty’s treatment is expected to continue, Buckingham Palace revealed: “It is too early to say…” They added: “His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.”
They pointed out this extra workload will start while he still receives treatment for cancer. They 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.”
They said any forthcoming engagements will be adapted “to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.” The workaholic 75-year-old monarch’s public engagements will start from next Tuesday.
The official statement, about the King’s return to “public-facing duties,” was released on Friday afternoon. It said: “His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.”
They said to “mark this milestone” The King and Queen will visit a cancer treatment centre together. The centre has not been involved in His Majesty’s care.
There they will be meeting medical specialists and patients to highlight the importance of early diagnosis. They also want to show the innovative research by Cancer Research UK taking place there.
“This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead,” the Palace said. They revealed one of the first major events will be held in late June and will be the state visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
The Palace said 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.”
The Palace told how both The King and Queen, were both “deeply grateful” for the good wishes they have received. “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,” they said.
Charles has been having weekly treatment after he was diagnosed following a hospital operation for an enlarged prostate in the New Year. The King was discharged on January 29th but only made his diagnosis public on February 5th before postponing all public duties.
Charles has been having treatment at a London clinic since then which forced him to stop royal public engagements to protect his recovery.
Sources have claimed King Charles has been “frustrated” having to take time off. They say he is itching to return to doing “what he loves” – meeting the public.
One quoted by Vanity Fair claimed: “He is being a good patient but not always a patient one.” Much to his huge relief, ” a number” of public engagements will now continue but adapted to protect him.
It is understood the warmer weather would allow more events to be held outside and minimise the risk of infections, a worry many cancer patients face. But The King will still be meeting people indoors too but each will be carefully managed to keep him safe.
Asked if there is a risk the King may be taking on too much the Palace said: “ The pacing of The King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team. “
The King is apparently looking forward to hosting The Emperor and Empress of Japan for the State Visit in late June. There may be some changes made nearer that visit too, subject to doctors’ advice.
The monarch now faces a “busy “ but restricted summer calendar, which is hoped to include the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 15th. He was said to have fought hard to make it to the momentous milestone in Normandy – determined to honour the Armed Forces and the tens of thousands of soldiers who landed.
Asked if The King will be attending the Birthday parade, D-Day commemorations, garden parties, Royal Ascot the spokesperson said “nothing can be guaranteed”. It includes overseas tours including the one planned for later this year to Australia.
The spokesperson said: “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.”
The spokesperson 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…
“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.”
Since he was diagnosed King Charles has refused to cease work entirely and continued to read his daily red boxes of official paperwork and reply to correspondence.
He also carried out state duties including Privy Council meetings and weekly audiences with British PM Rishi Sunak.
Charles’ last public appearance was on Easter Sunday when he attended church services with Queen Camilla and members of the royal family. This followed a meeting with Chancellor Jeremly Hunt at Buckingham Palace before the Spring budget.
Last week the King announced two historic new roles for the women he is closest to in his life now, Camilla and Kate. Camilla is now the Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire.
It was seen as a sign of his gratitude to Camilla, 76, for stepping up during his treatment.
In March alone she visited North Yorkshire, Shropshire, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.
He also showed his gratitude to Kate, 42, who is now a Companion of Honour, an award reserved for those who have excelled in the world of the arts, medicines, or science.
It shows his growing bond with his daughter-in-law, who is also having treatment for cancer, hers after abdominal surgery. Earlier this month the mum-of-three was invited to lunch with the King at Windsor Castle.
It is believed he told her how “proud” he was of her “courage” in speaking out about her diagnosis as they both endure treatment for cancer.
On Monday Kate and William, 41, celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary. It is not known when she will be ready to resume her duties. Other royals have been pitching in with Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, shining this week as she posed on Abbey Road made famous by The Beatles album cover.
Although a few years ago when asked about ‘stepping up,’ she quipped to The Telegraph: “What did people think we were doing beforehand?” This week Sophie, 59, attended a reception for Orbis Visionaries Reception – in her role as ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Many have called her the Royal family ’s “secret weapon” because of the public’s affection for her.
