King Charles continues cancer treatment after returning to public duties for first time since diagnosis – live

King Charles and Queen Camilla were gifted flowers and gifts by children outside of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.

They were snapped holding the flowers as they smiled and shook hands with the well-wishers.

Inside, the couple met patients and their families to highlight the centre’s innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK.

Tuesday marked King Charles’s first engagement as the new Patron of Cancer Research UK.

The visit was also designed to highlight the innovative work being done by Cancer Research UK at the centre.

The King undertook the visit alongside his wife, Queen Consort Camilla. The pair greeted fans and patients alike, who appeared delighted by his return.

He opened the new St James’ Place centre in Newcastle, which will provide free support to suicidal men. It is one of several centres now run by the charity, which was established in 2008.

The Prince also championed the cause last week when he praised schoolboy Freddie Hadley, 12, for setting up a mental health initiative at his school in Rowley Regis, Sandwell.

During the visit, the Prince spoke to men who had already used the service. Dean Stewart, 31, from Gateshead, told the royal that it has had such a positive impact on his life that he is now training to be a counsellor.

“The Prince of Wales coming up means a lot more men will come through the doors rather than doing themselves harm,” he said.

The sweet gesture was made outside University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, which was the King’s first port of call as he returned to public duty.

Ellis Edwards, 11, was pictured smiling after his brief interaction with the King and Queen.

Barbara Wilson, founder, and director of the not-for-profit Working With Cancer, told The Independent that while the King’s courage is plain to see, he is likely suffering from “troubling and disruptive” symptoms that must be kept in mind.

“Choosing to go to a cancer centre is an important and tremendous symbol of his ability to confront the disease and show support for people suffering from it,” Wilson said.

“Whilst Buckingham Palace has said that his return will be ‘carefully calibrated’, the key is to remain flexible when putting engagements in the diary and always have a plan B. There will, of course, be physical and mental side effects that will remain even after treatment, and he will have good weeks and bad weeks.

“The most common side effect of a cancer diagnosis is fatigue and, for many, it is the most troubling and disruptive symptom, serving as a constant reminder of what they have been through. Therefore, no one should be concerned if the King’s level of engagement is not always constant.”

“It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?” he empathised.

The King, who stepped back from public-facing duties for three months, then explained that the second half of his day would be taken up by his ongoing battle with the disease.

He said: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”

He was photographed at Low Carbon Materials in Seaham, County Durham, which, as the company name suggests, creates sustainable materials for the construction industry.

The Prince is also scheduled to open a new centre for men struggling with their mental health later today.

His busy schedule comes after his father, Prince Charles, returned to duty this morning and visited a cancer treatment centre in London with the Queen.

Like his son, the King is a known champion of environmentally friendly causes.

A royal fan has said he is “touched” after Camilla seemed visibly delighted as she thanked him for flowers he gave to her outside the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.

The King and Queen were getting into their car to leave after making their first public appearance in months when the monarch suggested to his wife that she go over to John Loughrey, 68, and Sky London, 63, to receive the bouquet, according to Mr Loughrey.

The 68-year-old said Camilla appeared delighted at the gift as she said “thank you so much”.

Mr Loughrey told The Independent: “I feel great. I can’t believe it. The King said ‘go over’ – you don’t expect this. I’m shocked… I can’t tell you how touched I am.”

He added: “I was very pleased to give the ‘get well’ flowers.”