King Charles III looked overjoyed to be back on public duties today for the first time since his cancer diagnosis, smiling and waving as he arrived at a hospital in London.
His Majesty – who still has the disease and is undergoing treatment – visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre this morning with his wife Queen Camilla, meeting patients and staff in his role as the charity’s patron.
Charles is keen that his inaugural engagement since doctors gave him the all-clear to restart public events will raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis.
The 75-year-old monarch also hopes the trip can highlight some off the innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, which is taking place at the hospital.
And today it can be announced that His Majesty has agreed to become the new patron of Cancer Research UK, bringing his own ongoing experience to the position.
The hospital was not chosen because it has a link with the King’s treatment or form of cancer, neither of which have yet been publicly disclosed by Buckingham Palace.
King Charles III arrives for a visit to University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London with Queen Camilla this morning as he returns to public royal engagements
King Charles and Camilla meet Lesley Woodbridge, a cancer patient receiving the second round of chemotherapy for sarcoma, and her husband Roger, at the hospital in London today
King Charles and Queen Camilla meet staff at the University College Hospital centre today
King Charles meets patients at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles smiles next to a CT scanner on a visit to the University College Hospital centre today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles wears a dinosaur tie as he arrives at the University College Hospital centre today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles meets patients at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles meets patients at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
John Loughrey, 69, a royal superfan from Streatham, brings roses for the King in London today
The centre provides facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of cancer and non-cancer conditions, whilst also supporting patients and their families.
Ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival, a small group of die-hard fans gathered after news of the visit leaked out.
John Loughrey, 69, a well-known royal superfan from Streatham, South London, bought roses to give to the King.
‘I am going to tell him I have been praying for him and what a brilliant job Queen Camilla has been doing for him,’ he said.
Mr Lougrey said he had lost his own partner, Marion, to skin cancer 21 years ago just two months after she was diagnosed. He added: ‘I know exactly what the King and Queen are going through. I’ve experienced it with the loss of my partner 21 years ago, too.
‘The King hasn’t kept his diagnosis to himself but has shared it with the nation to encourage people to get diagnosed. I’m going for a check-up myself next week, so he has encouraged me to do that too. I want His Majesty to know how much he is appreciated and that the Queen is his foundation.
‘I am also praying for the Princess of Wales and everything she is going through too.’
A royal aide said the visit had been arranged in the hope it would encourage others to be open about their cancer diagnosis and raise awareness of the benefits of early diagnosis.
They added: ‘He also wants to show it is possible to work with cancer, although he appreciates that everyone has their own journey and it is not for everyone. ‘
The King and Queen were met by University College London Hospitals (UCLH) chair Baroness Julia Neuberger and chief executive David Probert.
Inside the centre, the King and Queen spoke to clinicians and heard more about the use of innovative technology at UCLH; including CT scanners which are being used to help with the early detection of cancer.
As the new patron of Cancer Research UK, His Majesty met the charity’s chief clinician, Professor Charlie Swanton, who has led on a project called TRACERx – a collaboration with 250 researchers and clinicians based at 19 centres across the UK.
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles and Camilla meet Lesley Woodbridge, a cancer patient receiving the second round of chemotherapy for sarcoma, and her husband Roger, at the hospital in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Camilla meets patients at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
The project is the single biggest investment in lung cancer research by Cancer Research UK and aims to investigate how lung cancer evolves over time and why treatments sometimes stop working.
After meeting patients and their families who receive treatment at the centre, the King and Queen were due to have an opportunity to meet hospital staff and supporters of the UCLH Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK.
Before departing, Charles and Camilla were due to be presented with posies by young patients.
In 1997, as Prince of Wales, the King become patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides a range of support to people living with cancer and promotes better cancer care.
In addition to the King’s new Patronage of Cancer Research UK, The Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra are also joint presidents of Cancer Research UK.
Since 2008, Camilla has been president of Maggie’s which provides free expert care and support in centres across the UK and online to everyone with cancer as well as their friends and families.
Since becoming president, Camilla has visited 17 centres across the UK, including opening the Maggie’s Royal Free in London earlier this year in January.
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles smiles next to a CT scanner on a visit to the University College Hospital centre today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Queen Camilla waves at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
The King was first admitted to hospital in January for surgery on an enlarged prostate. He remained in The London Clinic for three days.
There was no suggestion at the time that his condition was cancerous but tests subsequently diagnosed unconnected evidence of the disease and his condition was announced to the nation of February 5.
He immediately began an unspecified form of treatment which is still ongoing.
Aside from attending an Easter Sunday church service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor four weeks ago on March 31, the King has until now stayed away from public events.
But Buckingham Palace gave a positive update last Friday that doctors were sufficiently encouraged by his progress to allow him to undertake more public duties.
A Palace 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.’
Sources have stressed that despite the welcome news the King still has cancer and will continue to be treated for the undisclosed form of the disease.
The Palace spokesperson added: ‘His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.’
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
The King meets University College London Hospitals chair Baroness Julia Neuberger today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Royal aides also said it was too early to say how long Charles’s treatment would continue.
His Majesty has worked throughout his diagnosis and treatment, undertaking state business, meeting dignitaries and small groups in private.
Ongoing engagements will be carefully calibrated to take account of his illness – but, as revealed by the Daily Mail in March, the King is now expected to attend key events such as Trooping the Colour, the Order of the Garter and next week’s first Buckingham Palace garden party of the season.
Charles’s diary of events will not be a full summer programme, and attendance will be announced nearer the time and ‘subject to doctors’ advice’, with ‘adaptations made where necessary to minimise risk’ to the King’s recovery.
The Macmillan Cancer Support account on X tweeted: ‘As His Majesty The King returns to public-facing duties, we know many people with cancer will understand that choosing to return to work can be a complex decision and can mean very different things to different people.
‘It’s important to understand some people may still be going through treatment and are still dealing with its side effects. They may require adjustments at work.
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
‘They may also continue to feel the impact of their diagnosis on themselves, their families, and friends, or they could be relieved things are starting to get ‘back to normal’. Restarting work can help get back into a routine and reconnect with colleagues and friends.’
The charity said it was ‘here to help everyone affected by cancer, including family, friends, carers and employers’.
Elsewhere, Prince William will carry out engagements in the North East today, visiting an Earthshot Prize finalist firm which makes low-carbon construction materials in Seaham, and opening James’s Place – a centre offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men in Newcastle.
A previously unseen portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales was released by Kensington Palace yesterday in celebration of the couple’s 13th wedding anniversary.
Kate, who is also undergoing treatment for cancer, married future king William in 2011.
The photograph by Millie Pilkington – who took the most recent picture of the King and Queen to mark Charles’s return to public duties – shows William and Kate on their wedding day.
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
Charles and Camilla at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
King Charles arrives at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London today
The black and white image was posted on the Waleses’ social media accounts on Monday, captioned ’13 years ago today!’.
Cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy weaken the immune system and so medics will be keen for the King to avoid infection as he resumes public duties.
Charles has returned to public life as the weather is improving, meaning many events can be held outside, minimising the risk he will pick up illnesses from other people in confined spaces.
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, patients can cut their risk of infection by avoiding contact with people suffering from illnesses such as sore throats, colds, flu, diarrhoea or vomiting.
Patients may also wish to avoid swimming where other people could have spread germs, and may want to stay away from crowded places during busy times.
The types of cancers which people have can also wreak havoc with their immune system.
Cancers such as lymphoma and leukaemia can prevent the body making enough white blood cells to fight infection.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are driven from Clarence House in Central London today
Chemotherapy treatment also reduces the number of white blood cells produced by the bone marrow and can lower immunity.
This is one of the most common reasons for reduced immunity in cancer patients.
According to Macmillan, people are particularly at risk of getting an infection seven to 14 days after having chemotherapy.
After this time, their number of white blood cells will increase slowly.
Surgery can also increase the risk of infection while another cancer treatment, radiotherapy, often only has a temporary effect on the immune system.
Cancer patients may be told they can improve their chances of not picking up an infection by washing their hands regularly, including after gardening, not sharing towels and washing hands after dealing with animals.
The Queen has continued her engagements and yesterday praised a group of yachtswomen for their ‘brilliant’ win in a global race that broke diversity barriers.
Camilla welcomed to her Clarence House home the crew of the Maiden, who became the first all-female outfit to triumph in a round-the-world yacht challenge when they won the Ocean Globe Race earlier this month.
April 26 – A photograph of King Charles and Camilla issued last Friday, taken by photographer Millie Pilkington, in Buckingham Palace Gardens on April 10 – the day after their 19th wedding anniversary – which was released to mark the first anniversary of their Coronation
‘You’re doing a brilliant job, keep on doing it – that’s really important,’ the Queen told the women, who are part of a project promoting the education of women and girls.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh this week became the first member of the royal family to visit Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion.
Sophie met the president and first lady of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky and Olena Zelenska, yesterday morning and delivered a message to them on behalf of the King.
They discussed how to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and the women peacebuilders who have a part to play in ensuring Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction is effective and long-lasting, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.
The duchess visited Ukraine at the request of the FCDO to demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
Aside from attending an Easter Sunday church service in Windsor four weeks ago on March 31 (pictured meeting people afterwards), Charles has until now stayed away from public events
Sophie met survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and torture who shared their stories, and talked to children who have been returned to Ukraine after being forcibly separated from their families and deported by Russia as part of a sustained campaign to erase Ukrainian culture, the FCDO said.
Sophie announced her commitment to champion the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) and the UN’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) on International Women’s Day in 2019.
She has visited a number of countries over the years to highlight the impact of historical and ongoing conflict, including Kosovo, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia.