King Charles visits cancer centre as public engagements resume

King Charles is carrying out his first major public engagement since his cancer diagnosis.

The King, who has been named Cancer Research UK’s new patron, and Queen Camilla smiled and waved as they arrived at a specialist cancer centre in London, with patients and staff cheering as they greeted them inside.

Aside from an Easter church service, the King has avoided public events.

But a statement issued last week had a more positive message about his health.

The King’s doctors were said to be “very encouraged by the progress made so far” in his treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.

It means he is able to begin a gradual return to public engagements, starting with the symbolic trip to the Macmillan Cancer Centre at University College Hospital in central London on Tuesday.

“Are you glad to be back?” someone shouted as the King emerged from the royal Bentley outside the centre, to which he appeared to respond cheerfully although his words were indistinct.

The King’s recent personal experience of cancer, which was diagnosed in February, brings an additional significance to his visit to the hospital – where he is expected to pay tribute to the staff’s efforts on behalf of patients, families and carers.

The visit is intended to continue the King’s desire to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis. It follows the monarch’s decision to make public his own health issues earlier this year, in the hope it will encourage others to seek health checks.

The King is expected to see some of the innovative technology and cancer research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.

During his visit, he will meet the charity’s chief clinician, Professor Charlie Swanton, who has led a project tackling various cancers.

Although the mood music about the King’s health is more positive, it remains a cautious optimism, with the King’s cancer treatment still continuing and no date announced for its completion so far.

However, he is expected to be sufficiently well to host a state visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June, which forms part of his role as head of state.

Despite his recent convalescence, the King has carried on with his constitutional role, including regular private meetings with the prime minister.

Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether the King will be able to attend some of the key royal events taking place in the weeks ahead, including Trooping the Colour, garden parties and D-Day commemorations.

Decisions on whether he will be able to take part will be made following medical advice nearer the time, but the King’s summer schedule is likely to be reduced, or adapted, while he continues his recovery.