King Charles Receives Flowers as He Returns to Public Duties
Since King Charles announced he was being treated for cancer0 on February 5 he has been unable to carry out public-facing visits. However, today he marked a return to greeting crowds with an appropriately chosen trip to a cancer treatment center and a new patronage announcement.
The King, 75, and Queen, 76, visited University College Hospital’s Macmillan Cancer Centre to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and innovation. The King was also announced today as Patron of Cancer Research UK—a patronage once held by his late mother Queen Elizabeth.
A royal source said that the King had been keen to be open about his own cancer diagnosis and raising awareness was very important to him. The source also emphasized, however, that every case is individual and returning to work is not the right path for everyone.
The King was clearly delighted to be back in action, smiling and waving on arrival at the central-London hospital at 11:10 a.m. He and Camilla spent time on their entrance and exit posing for the cameras and acknowledging a reporter who asked how he was feeling. Inside, the Telegraph reported that someone asked how he was doing and he replied, "I'm alright thank you, not too bad."
On his exit, the King received flowers from a little girl as Camilla gave books to a young boy. As well as invited media, there were also curious members of the public outside mingling with some royal fans who had come down wearing Union Jack outfits and carrying flowers.
“It was a wonderful atmosphere, the energy was very high…it was a very uplifting visit,” Chief Executive of University College Hospital, David Probert, told media, including Town & Country afterwards. Of the King’s interactions with patients, he said, “You could just tell by the smiles and enthusiastic comments that they were talking to somebody who’s himself been through a difficult time.”
Buckingham Palace said on Friday that the King would return to public visits, however they have so far only committed him to today’s outing and hosting the Japanese State Visit in June. It is hoped that he will be able to attend Royal Ascot, Trooping the Colour, and the D-Day Commemorations later this year, however this will depend on decisions made by his doctors closer to the time. His treatment for cancer continues, although the Palace has never said what kind of treatment he is receiving.
The Princess of Wales is also receiving treatment for cancer following major abdominal surgery in January. She has asked for space and privacy while she undergoes her treatment and there is no indication of when she will be able to return to public duties.
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