STORY: A smiling and healthy King Charles returned to public duties on Tuesday (April 30).
The British monarch’s visit to a cancer treatment center in London was his first engagement since he himself was diagnosed with the disease in February.
Buckingham Palace announced on Friday (April 26) that doctors were sufficiently satisfied with the 75-year-old king’s response to treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.
And that he would be able to resume some public commitments.
King Charles, who has become the new patron of the Cancer Research UK charity, met patients and specialist doctors at University College Hospital Macmillan Center with his wife Queen Camilla.
Charles’ health problems began in January when it was revealed he would undergo a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate.
The following month, the palace said that tests revealed the presence of a “form of cancer”.
He offered no further details, other than to say it did not involve his prostate.
The king has been resting and undergoing cancer treatment since then, continuing official state duties in private.
He was well enough to greet well-wishers after an Easter church service in late March.
Although his diary is carefully managed to minimize any risks to his health, the palace says he will be able to participate in some annual events.
This could include the “Trooping the Color” military parade and commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings of World War II, both in June.
The palace also confirmed that Charles and Camilla will receive a state visit from Japanese Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako at the end of June.
Charles’ illness occurred less than 18 months after he succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth.
