King Charles to resume public duties after cancer diagnosis

(Patria) - British King Charles will return to public duties next week for the first time since his cancer diagnosis, as he is making good progress following treatment and a period of recovery, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday, AFP reported.

In February, the palace revealed that the 75-year-old king had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, detected during tests following a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate. While Charles continued with official state business, the diagnosis prompted him to postpone public engagements to begin treatment and rest.

“His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but the doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that His Majesty will be able to resume a number of public-facing duties,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.

“His Majesty is hugely grateful to his medical team, for their continued care and expertise, and is so pleased to be able to resume some public-facing duties and is very buoyed by the support he has received,” it added.

While it was too early to say how long his cancer treatment would continue, the spokesperson said his doctors were “very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about His Majesty’s continued recovery.”

No further details were given about his condition or treatment, in line with the usual approach to medical privacy. While filmed carrying out some official duties, Charles’s only public appearance occurred last month when he greeted well-wishers in an impromptu walkabout after an Easter church service in Windsor, sparking hopes his health was improving.

Visit by Japanese Emperor

To mark his return, he and his wife Queen Camilla will visit a cancer treatment centre in London next Tuesday, the palace said. It was also confirmed that Japanese Emperor Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako, will make a state visit at the end of June.

However, Charles will not be undertaking his usual summer programme and his plans will be drawn up in consultation with his medical team to minimise any risks to his recovery, the palace said.

The King’s absence coincided with news that his daughter-in-law Kate, the wife of his son and heir Prince William, was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after tests revealed cancer following major abdominal surgery. The Princess of Wales, often known by her maiden name Kate Middleton, will also only return to public duties when her medical team advises she is well enough to do so.

Charles’s health concerns came less than eighteen months into his reign after succeeding his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, and less than a year after his coronation, Britain’s biggest ceremonial event in seven decades.

“As the first anniversary of the coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain profoundly grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from across the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year,” Buckingham Palace said.