King Charles returns to public duty following cancer diagnosis as Harry plans solo visit to UK: Live

King Charles is set to make a poignant return to public duties with a visit to a hospital and specialist cancer centre today (30 April).

The King and Queen will meet medical specialists and patients during the visit in a bid to further raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research taking place at the hospital.

It will be the 75-year-old British monarch’s first public engagement since his cancer diagnosis, and follows a statement issued by Buckingham Palace in which the King was said to be making positive progress in his treatment.

The public engagement on Tuesday also comes ahead of the planned return to the UK by Prince Harry for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games next week.

The Duke of Sussex’s visit will mark his first time in the country since he visited his father in February, when the King’s cancer diagnosis was announced.

He, however, won’t be accompanied by Meghan on his UK trip, a spokesperson for the couple said.

Though the royals are normally quite busy in the upcoming warmer months, King Charles has planned a less-packed summer program with his attendance determined closer to the time of each event.

Key Points

• King Charles set to return to work with visit to cancer centre

• William and Kate release new picture to celebrate anniversary

• Prince Harry to return to UK for first time since Kate’s cancer diagnosis

King Charles arrives at first public engagement since cancer diagnosis

11:26 , Emma Guinness

King Charles has arrived at his first public engagement since his cancer diagnosis in February.

The King and Queen Consort have just arrived at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.

Inside the hospital, crowds of staff have gathered in eager anticipation to greet Charles and Camilla.

The royal couple will now greet cancer patients and their families in a bid to raise awareness of how the disease affects more than just sufferers.

It is also hoped that the visit will raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight the innovative work being done at the hospital.

This work is being supported by Cancer Research UK, who have recently appointed King Charles as their new Patron.

The visit also marks the King’s first day as the new Patron.

‘It’s nice to see you back’: Royal watchers tell of hopes to greet King

11:05 , Emma Guinness

Royal watchers have told of the well wishes they are hoping to greet the King and Queen with as the royal couple make their first public appearance since the Monarch announced his cancer diagnosis three months ago.

Sky London, 63, John Loughrey, 69, and Amanda, 51, who did not want to share her surname, are waiting for Charles and Camilla’s arrival outside a hospital and cancer specialist centre today, having been royal fans for decades and hardly missing a royal event in that time.

The trio, all from London, told The Independent they are hopeful the royal pair will stop outside to greet members of the public, as they often take the time to do so.

Mr Loughrey said: “I feel great being here today because it’s the King’s first engagement since we heard the news of his diagnosis.”

He and Mr London were holding a bunch of red tulips and roses that they planned on giving to the Queen, who has “been there for Charles”.

Meanwhile, they wanted to tell the King: “It’s nice to see you back - we all miss you.”

‘Charles is not alone,’ says royal fan outside hospital

10:55 , Emma Guinness

A royal fan excitedly waiting for the King’s arrival outside a hospital and specialist cancer centre today has said Charles “is not alone” in his battle against cancer.

As the monarch makes a return to royal duties with his first public appearance since he announced his diagnosis in February, John Loughrey, 69, from London, told The Independent: “One thing Charles does know is he is not alone.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, cancer can strike anyone.”

Buckingham Palace does not plan to reveal more information about King’s cancer

10:45 , Emma Guinness

Buckingham Palace has announced that it does not plan to share any further information about King Charles’s cancer.

The Monarch, 75, is today (30 April) returning to work after a prolonged absence caused by the disease.

His first engagement will be a visit to a cancer treatment centre, where he and the Queen Consort Camilla will meet patients and families affected by the disease.

News of the King’s diagnosis came in February following a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

The Palace confirmed at the time that the King does not have prostate cancer.

It has now added that there are no plans to share further information about the status of the King’s illness or his treatment plan.

Privy Council ‘heartened’ by King Charles’s return to work

10:30 , Emma Guinness

The Privy Council has released a statement celebrating King Charles’s return to work.

The Monarch is finally returning to public-facing duties today (30 April) after a three-month absence following his diagnosis with an undisclosed form of cancer.

In a statement posted to Twitter/X on 26 April, Lord President Penny Mordaunt said: “Like so many around the country, I am greatly heartened by news of the King’s improving health.

“He will have wanted to get back to public facing work as soon as possible.

“We in Parliament send our thanks and good wishes as he continues his recovery.”

Queen Camilla praised for knowing exactly ‘what is is right’

10:15 , Emma Guinness

The Queen Consort has been praised for her understanding of King Charles and knowing what is “right” ahead of his return to work today (30 April).

She is set to accompany the Monarch on a visit to a cancer treatment centre to help raise awareness of the disease following news of his diagnosis in February.

Royal expert Angela Levin said: “I wrote her [Camilla’s] biography and she’s got this very strong instinct of knowing what is right at the right moment.

“She’s been there so solidly with the work and the engagements, when you saw the picture of their 19th wedding anniversary that came out yesterday, you can see that they are so interactive together.”

While the King was forced to take a step back from public-facing duties because of his illness, Queen Camilla has continued with her work – yesterday (29 April) celebrating the victory of an all-female yacht crew in a round-the-world race.

Return to work welcome for ‘workaholic’ King Charles

10:00 , Emma Guinness

King Charles was described as a “workaholic” earlier this year ahead of news of his cancer diagnosis breaking.

Queen Consort Camilla allegedly told her husband that she wanted him to slow down at the time, concerned that he was doing too much for a 75-year-old.

The revelation was made as the King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate in January.

An insider said: “The people who work for him are worried he is doing too much for a man of 75. It’s sometimes a struggle to keep up with him.”

According to reports, the Monarch previously filled his days to the point where he would not eat until 9pm.

That is why today (30 April) is a welcome relief for the King, who was reported to be frustrated after suspending public-facing duties after his cancer diagnosis.

The King’s engagements will be carefully paced

09:45 , Emma Guinness

King Charles is returning to public duties today (30 April) for the first time in three months.

The monarch, 75, was forced to take a step back after being diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer, as revealed in February.

Palace sources have now said that his upcoming work will be carefully paced so that the King, who still has the illness, does not over-exert himself.

A spokesperson said the “pacing” will be “carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team”.

He will today visit a cancer treatment centre with the Queen Consort to help raise awareness of the disease, which has also affected the Duchess of York and the Princess of Wales this year.

The Duchess of Edinburgh greeted by Zelensky

09:30 , Emma Guinness

The Duchess of Edinburgh has received a warm welcome from the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Sophie yesterday (29 April) became the first member of the royal family to visit the wartorn country since its full-scale conflict with Russia began in February 2022.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement that the trip was to “demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war”.

The Duchess is one of a handful of royals who have held the fort amid King Charles and the Princess of Wales’s respective cancer battles, which forced them to step back from their duties.

The King, however, is set to return to work today (30 April).

Prince William has a busy day of engagements

09:15 , Emma Guinness

Prince William has a busy schedule today (30 April) and is set to champion the environment and men’s mental health.

His day will begin with a visit to an Earthshot Prize finalist firm, which produces low-carbon construction materials, in Seaham, County Durham.

This is one of the Prince’s first engagements since returning to work this month after the announcement of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis in March.

The Prince will also champion the cause of male mental health by opening James’ Place Newcastle – a new treatment centre that offers free assistance to suicidal men.

The heir to the throne will be undertaking the engagements on the same day that King Charles returns to work after undergoing treatment for his own, undisclosed form of cancer.

Queen Camilla is in good spirits ahead of the King’s return to work

09:00 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla was in good spirits yesterday (29 April) as she carried out her duties.

The Queen Consort hosted the Maiden yacht crew at Clarence House ahead of King Charles’s return to work to celebrate their win in the Ocean Globe Race.

The group made history by becoming the first female crew to win a round-the-world yacht race earlier this month.

It took them a staggering 153 days to complete the journey on 16 April, having first set off on the adventure of a lifetime in September.

The Queen will also be working today (30 April) when she joins the King at a cancer treatment centre to help raise awareness of the disease.

King Charles determined to lead Trooping the Colour parade on horseback

08:45 , Emma Guinness

King Charles is reportedly determined to lead the Trooping the Colour in June on horseback.

The parade, which will mark the monarch’s 76th birthday, is set to take place on Saturday, 15 June.

The monarch, who today (30 April) returns to duty after undergoing cancer treatment, is said to want to be seen to “lead from the front”.

However, while he has been declared well enough to return to duty following his cancer diagnosis and treatment, he still has the disease and precautions are being taken as a result.

According to official sources, “adaptations” are being made “where necessary” to minimize risk as he takes on a scaled-back summer programme of work.

His plan to ride at the parade on his horse Noble has not yet been approved by doctors.

The King was gifted Noble, a black mare, to celebrate his coronation last year.

King Charles plans to make raising awareness of cancer a top priority

08:30 , Emma Guinness

King Charles intends to use his platform to raise awareness of “five Cs” on his return to work – including cancer.

The King, who announced that he had been diagnosed with the illness in February, is today (30 April) returning to work and his first port of call will be a cancer treatment centre.

There, he and the Queen Consort Camilla will meet with cancer patients and their families.

It is hoped that this will highlight the effect the disease has on families as well as sufferers.

The other chosen “C” causes the King is making a top priority are “climate, community, culture and [the] Commonwealth.”

Duchess of Edinburgh denounces Putin’s forces for using rape as a weapon of war

08:03 , Holly Evans

Dancer claims senior royal wants to join cast of Strictly Come Dancing

07:44 , Holly Evans

Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova said the Princess Royal wants to appear in the BBC flagship dance competition.

Professional dancer Bychkova has claimed that Anne told her last month “at a ballet event” that she would like to join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing.

“She is a Strictly fan, and she wants to go on the show — she told me,” 34-year-old Bychkova told the Sun newspaper.

“She did say that. I think she would be good — there’s a lot of personality there, isn’t there?”

It comes after the Queen announced “I’m one of Strictly’s greatest fans” after star Johannes Radebe presented her with a pair of steel-shod shoes at an event in Cambridge in February.

Speaking on the royal’s love for Strictly, Bychkova added: “They love it, and they watch it all the time. Whenever you see royals at events, they all know what’s going on.

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

07:00 , Emma Guinness

King Charles is to return to public royal duties today (30 April) 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.

Full report:

King Charles to resume public duties after responding well to cancer treatment

King Charles returns to public duties

06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

King Charles is returning to public duties today after the positive effect of his cancer treatment.

He will visit a cancer treatment centre to meet medical specialists and patients.

The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and to highlight innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.

The King’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 his recovery.

It is understood the warmer weather would allow events to be staged outside and lessen the risk posed by other people that many cancer patients face.

Watch King Charles’s last public appearance as palace give health update on cancer diagnosis

06:00 , Matt Mathers

Watch King Charles’s last public appearance as palace give health update on cancer

Duchess Sophie visits Ukraine in first trip by British royal since war

05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Sophie, Britain’s Duchess of Edinburgh, met president Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife in the first trip to Ukraine by a British royal since the conflict with Russia began in February 2022.

Sophie, 59, the wife of King Charles’ youngest brother Prince Edward, made the surprise visit on behalf of the Foreign Office to show solidarity with those impacted by the war and as part of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, Buckingham Palace said.

“It’s true that women and girls pay the highest price in terms of human cost when it comes to the way that they are affected, the way that they can be used as weapons of war,” she said in a speech during the visit.

“Rape is used to demean, to degrade and to destroy, and we have to get better at trying to prevent that from happening,” she added.

How the Royal Family rallied around Charles after his cancer diagnosis

05:00 , Matt Mathers

The royal family rallied around the King in February after it was revealed he had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement at the time that the monarch was receiving regular treatments for the condition, which was discovered after the 75-year-old underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Full report:

Charles cancer diagnosis: How the Royal Family rallied around the King

Prince Harry to return to UK alone for Invictus Games ceremony

04:39 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Prince Harry will return to the UK for the first time in three months for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games next week.

He, however, won’t be accompanied by Meghan on his first trip to the country since he visited his father in February, when the King’s cancer diagnosis was announced.

Meghan would not accompany her husband to a service at St Paul’s Cathedral for the ceremony on 8 May, a spokesperson for the couple told Daily Mail.

William and Kate release unseen wedding photo for anniversary

04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

William and Kate have released an unseen picture to mark their wedding anniversary.

The couple shared a black and white photo of themselves smiling on their wedding day in an X/Twitter post captioned: “13 years ago today!”

The picture of the happy couple shows them looking relaxed in Buckingham Palace after exchanging their wedding vows in Westminster Abbey.

Kate is wearing her now-iconic lace Alexander McQueen dress and gown while William is dressed in the red tunic of a colonel of the Irish Guards.

ICYMI: Princess Beatrice’s ex-boyfriend Paolo Liuzzo dies of suspected drug overdose in Miami hotel

04:00 , Matt Mathers

Princess Beatrice’s former boyfriend Paolo Liuzzo has died of a suspected drug overdose in a hotel in Miami.

Police were called to a room at the citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel at 3.22pm on February 7, the Miami Police Department confirmed to The Independent on Wednesday.

Full report:

Princess Beatrice’s ex-boyfriend Paolo Liuzzo dies in Miami hotel

ICYMI: King Charles cancer diagnosis: The history of illnesses in the Royal Family

03:00 , Matt Mathers

In February, King Charles shared he had been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.

The Royal Family did not specify the form of cancer but he is still undergoing regular treatment and has postponed public duties.

The monarch was diagnosed with the disease while undergoing separate treatment for an enlarged prostate in January at the London Clinic.

Full report:

History of illnesses in the Royal Family after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis

ICYMI: Inside King Charles’ rigid diet and strict exercise routine – and why he doesn’t eat lunch

02:00 , Matt Mathers

In the decades spent waiting to ascend to the throne, King Charles has always ensured he maintained a strict diet and rigid daily exercise routine.

The 75-year-old monarch was diagnosed with a form of cancer in February, after a check up last month found an unrelated, enlarged prostate that proved to be benign.

Full report:

ICYMI: Prince William shares Charlotte’s favourite joke during surprise school visit

01:00 , Matt Mathers

Prince William shares Charlotte’s favourite joke during surprise school visit

King Charles set for return to public duty as Harry plans May return to UK next week

Tuesday 30 April 2024 00:14 , Mike Bedigan

The King and the Duke of Sussex will both be in London at the same time next week, though it is uncertain whether or not the pair will meet.

Harry is set to return to the UK for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014 as a sporting event for injured and sick military personnel and veterans.

Harry will be at the service of thanksgiving at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 8 May, where he is expected to provide a reading.

It comes as Buckingham Palace announced that Charles is to return to public royal duties next week after responding well to his cancer treatment.

However, The Telegraph reported that the King’s diary is “quite busy”, leading to some speculation as to whether the pair may actually meet.

Harry’s arrival to the UK will mark his first time in the country since he visited his father in February when his father’s cancer diagnosis was announced.

Watch: Prince William thanks delighted schoolboy for mental health campaign letter on surprise visit

Monday 29 April 2024 23:30 , Matt Mathers

Prince William thanks delighted schoolboy for letter on surprise visit

Duchess of Edinburgh becomes first royal to visit Ukraine since Russian invasion

Monday 29 April 2024 22:30 , Matt Mathers

The Duchess of Edinburgh has become the first member of the royal family to visit Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion as she met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and survivors of sexual violence.

Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, married to Prince Edward, visited the war-torn country as part of her work as champion of the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. She took on the role in 2019, on International Women’s Day.

Full report:

Sophie becomes first member of royal family to visit Ukraine since war

ICYMI: Buckingham Palace accused of ‘shading’ Meghan Markle with ‘strawberry preserve’ ad

Monday 29 April 2024 21:30 , Matt Mathers

As the Duchess of Sussex gears up to launch her forthcoming lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, a slew of her celebrity friends have already gushed over her strawberry jam. However, it seems that Buckingham Palace is now being accused of “shading” Meghan Markle after sharing a video of its very own strawberry preserve.

“Our Strawberry Preserve is made using only the finest berries and is delicious served in a variety of ways,” the official Instagram account for Buckingham Palace Shop captioned a post on 24 April - the same day that model Chrissy Teigen posted a rave review of American Riviera Orchard’s jam.

Watch: King Charles’s last public appearance as palace give health update on cancer diagnosis

Monday 29 April 2024 20:27 , Matt Mathers

Watch King Charles’s last public appearance as palace give health update on cancer

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

Monday 29 April 2024 19:00 , Matt Mathers

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.

Full report:

King Charles to resume public duties after responding well to cancer treatment

ICYMI: Harry to return to UK for first time since Kate revealed cancer diagnosis

Monday 29 April 2024 18:30 , Matt Mathers

The Duke of Sussex will soon return to the UK for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games.

The Invictus Games first took place in London in 2014 and was founded by Prince Harry as a sporting event for injured and sick military personnel and veterans.

Full report:

Harry to return to UK for first time since Kate revealed cancer diagnosis

Prince Harry will likely not be joined by senior royals next week

Monday 29 April 2024 18:00 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry is set to return to the UK for the first time since February next week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

He is reported to be giving a thanksgiving speech at a ceremony in London, and he will likely not be joined by any senior members of his family.

There are currently no reports that he will be joined by his brother Prince William or King Charles at the event in St Paul’s Cathedral, or any other senior royals.

The Princess of Wales has already announced her extended leave of absence from her work as she focuses on her health.

This will likely not come as a surprise to Royal watchers or Harry himself, who are all too aware of the family’s current health problems.

Prince William took an extended period away from work, returning only this month, after Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis and Prince Charles will only return to duty tomorrow (30 April) as a result of his own battle with the disease.

There are also no indications that Harry will be joined by his wife Meghan Markle, or their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

Cancer specialist weighs in on King Charles’s return to work

Monday 29 April 2024 17:30 , Emma Guinness

A leading cancer specialist has weighed in on King Charles’s decision to return to work tomorrow (30 April) – claming it’s one of the “best” ways to handle his illness.

Professor Karol Sikora explained that the King, 75, is giving himself the best chance of long term recovery, in body and mind, by getting back to “normality” as soon as possible.

“Physically, King Charles is clearly doing okay but psychologically there is going to be uncertainty about whether the cancer will come back – even after treatment,” Sikora said.

“That is a problem with any cancer diagnosis. There is also a chance that the treatment itself might cause problems. This uncertainty can cause profound problems for some people.

“One of the best ways to handle this is to get back to normal as soon as possible.”

Kate Middleton’s ‘something blue’

Monday 29 April 2024 17:00 , Emma Guinness

Kate Middleton followed the wedding tradition of wearing ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’ on her and Prince William’s big day.

Her Alexander McQueen dress was her ‘something new’ and it incorporated her ‘something blue’ – a ribbon, which was discreetly sewn into the dress.

This is a tradition believed to bring good luck and it dates back to the Victorian era.

Her ‘something borrowed’ – and indeed something old – was her tiara, a Cartier piece from 1936 that Queen Elizabeth II lent her for the occasion.

Prince William’s cheeky joke to Kate Middleton at the altar

Monday 29 April 2024 16:45 , Emma Guinness

Prince William couldn’t help but crack a joke when Kate Middleton met him at the altar on this day in 2011.

Referring to the sheer scale of their wedding, which was watched by an estimated 163 million people worldwide, the Prince turned to his bride and reportedly said: “Just a quiet family wedding, then.”

The church itself was full to the rafters and the ceremony was witnessed in person by around 2,200 people.

This included several celebrities like Sir Elton John and footballing legend David Beckham.

A ‘different’ anniversary celebration

Monday 29 April 2024 16:30 , Emma Guinness

This year the Prince and Princess of Wales marked their anniversary with a previously unseen wedding picture.

However, in previous years, they have shared new pictures of themselves as a couple.

Last year, this saw the pair share a picture of themselves with their arms around each other riding bikes.

Unfortunately, a new picture was not possible this year due to Kate undertaking “preventative” chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer.

Westminster Abbey celebrates Kate and Will

Monday 29 April 2024 16:08 , Emma Guinness

Westminster Abbey has celebrated the anniversary of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding on their official Twitter/X account.

The historic church played host to the 2011 wedding, which was the 16th royal marriage to take place within its walls since 1100.

Kate and Will’s nuptials were the first royal wedding at the abbey since Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson in 1986.

The post read: “Wishing The Prince and Princess of Wales a very happy wedding anniversary today!

“Their Royal Highnesses were married here in the Abbey #onthisday in 2011.”

Prince William’s busy schedule

Monday 29 April 2024 15:52 , Emma Guinness

The Prince of Wales has a busy week ahead after celebrating his wedding anniversary today (29 April).

After returning to work this month following the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis, he is set to carry out various engagements in the North East of England tomorrow (30 April).

This will include a visit to an Earthshot Prize finalist firm in Seaham that is making waves in sustainability with its low-carbon construction materials.

He heir to the throne will also open James’s Place – a mental health treatment facility in Newcastle where suicidal men can receive free, potentially life-saving treatment.

Kate never let Will forget ‘awful’ anniversary gift

Monday 29 April 2024 14:50 , Emma Guinness

The Prince of Wales has admitted that he has not always got it right when it comes to gifts for Kate Middleton.

This comes as the pair celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary today (29 April).

The future King revealed that he once bought Kate a present so “awful” she “never let him forget it” – namely, a pair of binoculars.

He admitted that, looking back, it was an odd present to gift the Princess to celebrate their love.

“I did get my wife a pair of binoculars once - she’s never let me forget that,” he said on an appearance on BBC Radio Five Live.

“That was early on in the courtship that was - I think that sealed the deal.

“It didn’t go well. Honestly, I have no idea why I bought her a pair of binoculars, it seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Royal expert wants ‘nonsense’ claims about King’s health to stop as he returns to a work

Monday 29 April 2024 14:30 , Emma Guinness

A royal expert has called for “nonsense” claims about King Charles’s health being in decline to stop ahead of his return to work tomorrow (30 April).

The king, 75, is in fact doing so well that doctors have reportedly been left “impressed” by his progress.

However, his public appearances will be “scaled back” to give him the best possible chance of recovery from his undisclosed form of cancer.

“There have been claims in some media outlets that the king is not doing well in his cancer battle,” royal expert Katie Nicholl told Entertainment Tonight.

“I think the announcements out of the palace and... the king’s imminent return to public duties should stop such nonsense in its track, quite frankly.

“My sources have been telling me that the king has been responding very positively to his medical treatment, that his medical team are very pleased with his progress.

“I think that the news that we hear out of the palace really supports all of that, because he’s coming back to work.”

Kate Middleton described William ‘supportive’ ‘through the bad times’

Monday 29 April 2024 14:00 , Emma Guinness

The Princess of Wales described Prince William as a “supportive” partner “through the bad times” even before they tied the knot.

The pair, who today (29 April) celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary, opened up about their eight-year-long courtship in their 2010 engagement interview.

In the poignant interview, Kate describes Will as a “loving boyfriend” who is “very supportive of me through the good times and also through the bad times”.

This is something that has sadly been required of the Prince in recent weeks and months as he supports his wife through her cancer diagnosis.

Kate is working behind the scenes

Monday 29 April 2024 13:35 , Emma Guinness

Kate Middleton is reportedly working when she can despite her cancer diagnosis, it has been claimed.

Roayl expert Pelham Turner has cited sources who have said that despite being in physical pain, the Princess of Wales has not taken a total step back from her duties.

“The couple are working behind the scenes,” he said. “I have been told by a source who is in regular, almost daily contact with the couple that they are putting in days work, especially William – and Kate when she is able to.

“The abdominal surgery, apart from being very painful, was emotionally draining for Kate.

“The couple had to come to terms with all of this even before the cancer announcement. William has stepped up to the plate, ensuring his family and his family are confidently moving forward.”

The expert added that the couple, who celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary today, are keeping a low profile to protect their children from the spotlight at this difficult time.

Pinned post: William and Kate release unseen wedding photo for anniversary

Monday 29 April 2024 13:16 , Emma Guinness

William and Kate have released an unseen picture to mark their wedding anniversary.

The couple shared a black and white photo of themselves smiling on their wedding day in an X/Twitter post captioned: “13 years ago today!”

The picture of the happy couple shows them looking relaxed in Buckingham Palace after exchanging their wedding vows in Westminster Abbey.

Kate is wearing her now-iconic lace Alexander McQueen dress and gown while William is dressed in the red tunic of a colonel of the Irish Guards.

The picture was taken by Millie Pilkington, who also took the picture of Charles and Camilla released on Friday to celebrate the “progress” the King is making with his cancer treatment.

The couple, who met as students at the University of St Andrew’s, tied the knot after dating for eight years.

William, whose hand can be seen on Kate’s waist in the previously unseen photograph, was recently praised by the Princess when she announced her cancer diagnosis in March.

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance,” she said.

While the palace released a new picture of the couple to mark their 12th wedding anniversary, this was not possible this year as Kate remains out of public life focusing on her health.

Kate and William facing their ‘greatest challenge’ so far

Monday 29 April 2024 13:15 , Emma Guinness

This year has brought the Prince and Princess of Wales’s “greatest challenge” of married life so far, a royal expert has claimed.

But royal author Christopher Andersen believes that Kate and Will are equipped with everything they need to weather the storm of the Princess and King’s cancer diagnoses.

“This is obviously the most bittersweet anniversary William and Kate have ever experienced,” Andersen told Foxx News Digital.

“Their marriage is stronger than ever, they have three beautiful children – and now they are facing the greatest challenge of their married lives.”

He added: “It’s hard to think of any marriage stronger than theirs or built on a more solid foundation.

“William and Kate are certainly more equipped emotionally and in every other way to handle whatever life throws at them – and with the dual diagnoses of Kate and the king, life has thrown them a lot.”

Prince William’s return to work

Monday 29 April 2024 12:30 , Emma Guinness

Prince Willliam returned to work this month following news of Kate’s cancer diagnosis breaking in March.

The heir to the throne promised to “look after” Kate on his first engagement on April 18, where he visited community and environmental impact organisations in Surrey and West London.

While visiting “Surplus to Supper”, a food waste charity, he received “Get Well Soon” cards for both the Princess of Wales and the King.

He looked visibly touched by the gesture of kindness.

The King’s poignant Tuesday itinerary

Monday 29 April 2024 12:20 , Emma Guinness

The King’s scheduled visit to a cancer treatment centre tomorrow (30 April) is hoped to raise awareness of the disease.

According to reports, the King and Queen Consort are keen to meet with cancer patients and their families.

A palace source said they want to highlight how the illness “doesn’t just affect those who have cancer, it affects all those around them.”

The source added: “Though every patient is different, one of the things they hope to demonstrate and witness is how people can go on living a full life during treatment, not just after it.

“Cancer can be a scary word but it doesn’t have to be a scary experience.”

Harry’s rushed February visit

Monday 29 April 2024 12:12 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry’s last visit to the UK was a quick one, with the fifth in line to the throne admitting he “jumped on a plane” as soon as he learned of his father’s cancer diagnosis.

He later told ABC News that he was “grateful” for the time he spent with King Charles – a reported 45 minutes.

At the time, the Prince appeared to suggest he planned to visit the UK more often.

“I’ll stop in and see my family as much as I can,” he said.

While it was hoped that Prince Harry might attempt to mend his difficult relationship with Prince William during the February visit, the pair did not see each other.

Harry’s return to the UK

Monday 29 April 2024 12:04 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry is reported to be giving a thanksgiving speech at St Paul’s Cathedral on 8 May to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

He founded the event in 2014 to give injured, sick and disabled military veterans a chance to showcase their sporting talents.

The trip will be the Prince’s first visit to the UK since February following his move to California in 2020.

It is not yet known whether he will be joined by his wife, Meghan Markle, at the London event – or his children, Archie and Lilibet.

Kate and William’s anniversary

Monday 29 April 2024 11:58 , Emma Guinness

Kate and Will tied the knot on this day in 2011 after meeting a decade before at St Andrew’s University in Scotland.

The Princess of Wales admitted to going “bright red” the first time she spoke to Prince William in the hallway of a university dorm in 2001.

But she pushed past her self-confessed embarrassment to form a friendship with the then-third in line to the British throne.

This friendship turned romantic after the pair moved into a shared house together in 2002.

However, it was not until 2004 that the pair went public with their relationship and were photographed on a ski trip together in Switzerland.

A tabloid headline at the time read: “Finally... Wills gets a girl”.

While the pair briefly split in 2007, they soon reconciled that same year and dated for a further three years before William popped the question in Kenya in 2010.

Their wedding in April 2011 was watched by an estimated 163 million viewers.

The pair tied the knot at a packed Westminister Abbey service, which included famous faces like Sir Elton John and David Beckham.

This week’s royal events

Monday 29 April 2024 11:56 , Emma Guinness

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s royal blog as we provide you all the latest updates on a busy week for the royal family.

Events began today (29 April) with the Prince and Princess of Wales’s 13th wedding anniversary, which is set to be very different from previous celebrations because of Kate’s ongoing cancer treatment.

According to reports, the future king and queen are set to celebrate in “private”, but the couple’s anniversary is already being marked on social media by wellwishers.

Today’s events will be followed tomorrow by King Charles’s anticipated return to duty following the revelation on Friday (26 April) that he has made significant progress with his own cancer treatment.

He is set to visit a cancer treatment centre with the Queen Consort to mark his poignant return to work following news of his illness in February.

All the while the family are preparing for Prince Harry’s return to the UK next week to attend a ceremony celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

The fifth in line to the throne was last in the UK in February, when he met the King for 45 minutes after he began his cancer treatment.