King Charles was pictured arriving at Clarence House today as he returned from Norfolk for prostate surgery.
The monarch, 75, sat in the back of a liveried car as it drove down the Mall past a smattering of onlookers.
Charles returned earlier today by helicopter from Sandringham, where he has been resting for several days.
He was keen to share his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with health advice.
King Charles was driven to Clarence House today after arriving from Norfolk by helicopter
The monarch, 75, sat in the back of a liveried car as it drove down the Mall past a smattering of onlookers
It comes at a difficult time for the Royal Family, with the Princess of Wales recovering in hospital from scheduled abdominal surgery and the Duchess of York revealing yesterday that she has skin cancer.
The Princess of Wales is said to be ‘doing well’ after going under the knife for her abdominal operation at The London Clinic near Regent’s Park last week.
She will remain in the exclusive clinic for up to 14 days, and is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.
Meanwhile, Sarah, 64, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma – an aggressive form of skin cancer – after several moles were removed during reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy in June.
One was identified as cancerous and she is now undergoing further medical checks to make sure the cancer has been caught in the early stages.
King Charles with his wife, Queen Camilla, late last year
On Tuesday, The King’s second son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were pictured alongside Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness, who wants to make Jamaica a republic – with a referendum set to be held later this year.
Mr Holness told the now-Prince and Princess of Wales during their 2022 tour to the Caribbean that his country is ‘moving on’ and intends to ‘fulfil our true ambitions and destiny as an independent, developed, prosperous country’.
The Sussexes’ appearance came just as Harry’s father, the King, prepared to undergo hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate, and Kate remains in hospital after abdominal surgery.
With other observers still waiting for a statement from the Sussexes about Charles and Kate being in hospital, royal commentator Phil Dampier told : ‘It seems Harry and Meghan will turn up at the opening of an envelope these days.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet on Tuesday for the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love at the Carib Theatre in Kingston
Prince Harry and Meghan with Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet
‘Under normal circumstances there would be nothing wrong with them going to a film premiere. But at a time when his father is going under the knife and Jamaica is making noises about ditching the monarchy, this is rather insensitive.’
The Sussexes also posed with Jamaica’s minister of legal and constitutional affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte.
Mrs Malahoo Forte told Sky News ahead of the King’s coronation last May that an ‘urgent’ referendum could be held as early as 2024 to ‘sever ties’ and remove Charles as Jamaica’s monarch.
‘(Republicanism) is about us saying goodbye to a form of government that is linked to a painful past of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade,’ she said.
Last week, it was announced that the Princess of Wales had undergone abdominal surgery and is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
The Princess of Wales is said to be recovering well at the London Clinic
The London Clinic, where the Princess of Wales will be staying for the next ten to 14 days
It has been announced that the Princess of Wales is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter
A statement from Kensington Palace was put out at 2pm yesterday
Prince William wants to spend time by his wife’s side as she convalesces
‘I must admit that it came as a shock when a statement arrived from Kensington Palace,’ writes Eden, editor of The Daily Mail’s Diary.
‘Although officials emphasised that the surgery was “planned”, its serious nature was reflected in the fact that she would remain in hospital for up to two weeks.
‘These days, hospitals are often keen to discharge patients after only a few days, even after major operations.
‘Such royal bulletins usually play down the nature of health conditions,’ yet the statement said that Catherine was ‘unlikely to return’ to public life for another 11 weeks.
‘Part of my shock was because Catherine, 42, has always seemed so fit and healthy, often taking part in sporting activities during official engagements,’ he continues.
‘Adding to the sense of health crisis in the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace released a statement later that day, revealing that King Charles, 75, would undergo a medical procedure next week.
King Charles and Kate have a warm relationship. In Kenya last year, he referred to her as his ‘beloved daughter-in-law’
King Charles has explained that he requires treatment for an enlarged prostate
‘In contrast to the statement about Catherine, it provided details about his condition, explaining that he required treatment for an enlarged prostate. His engagements would be cancelled for a “short period”.
‘The fact that two of the most senior members of “The Firm” will be out of action at the same time, and with Prince William wanting to spend more time with his wife as she convalesces, adds to my concerns about the King’s vision of a “slimmed-down” Monarchy.
‘It’s at times like this that we need a strong Firm, with other members of the family ready to step into the breach.
‘And I don’t mean Prince Harry and Meghan!’