King Charles shares ‘positive’ cancer news as Palace releases heartwarming photo with Camilla

King Charles is to return to public royal duties next week after responding well to his cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace has announced. His Majesty is said to be “greatly encouraged” by the move.

He has been receiving outpatient care since early February, and news of his progress will be a boost for the monarchy while both he and the Princess of Wales are dealing with the illness.

However, sources stressed the King is not in remission and will continue to be treated for the undisclosed form of cancer.

“His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery,” said a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.

Rishi Sunak has welcomed the news, posting on X: “Brilliant news to end the week!”

Charles and Camilla will visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday to meet medical specialists and patients.

The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research taking place at the hospital, not believed to be where Charles is being treated. The work there is supported by Cancer Research UK.

News of the King’s cancer diagnosis was announced on 6 February and came after he underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate at the beginning of the year.

In January, Charles spent three nights at The London Clinic for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which time his cancer – not prostate cancer – was discovered.

The palace spokesperson added: “His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that the King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.

“Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”

Charles’s diary will not be a full summer programme, and attendance will be announced nearer the time and “subject to doctors’ advice”.

It is understood the warmer weather would allow events to be staged outside and minimise the risk posed to cancer patients by meeting other people.

“The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team,” the spokesperson added.

The Queen is president of cancer support charity Maggie’s, and its chief executive Dame Laura Lee said: “We know at Maggie’s how important continuing to work during treatment can be for many people as it can help to give them a sense of purpose and identity.”

She added: “His openness about his diagnosis has encouraged so many important conversations about cancer and I would like to thank him from my heart for using his own difficult experience to help others.”

Other future duties will include hosting the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June.

A picture marking the first anniversary of the coronation on 6 May has also been released.

Taken the day after their 19th wedding anniversary, on 10 April, it shows Charles and Camilla smiling broadly and walking arm in arm along a path with shrubs and colourful flowers in the background.

News of Charles’s progress comes as welcome relief for the royal family. Last month, the Princess of Wales revealed she had also been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing “planned abdominal surgery” in January.

And in January, Sarah Ferguson, revealed she has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.