In his first public-facing engagement since being diagnosed with cancer in early February, King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London on April 30. The visit aimed to highlight the importance of early cancer detection and acknowledge the innovative research being conducted at the center.
During the poignant outing, the monarch candidly shared his own experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis, sympathizing with patients undergoing treatment. "It's always a bit of a shock isn't it, when they tell you," he told Lesley Woodbridge, 63, as he held her hand during her chemotherapy session. The King went on to reveal that he too had to undergo treatment later that day.
When asked about his health by another patient, Asha Millen, 60, who is receiving chemotherapy for bone marrow cancer, King Charles replied, "I'm well." The monarch's appearance at the hospital, which lasted around an hour, was met with cheers and well-wishes from staff and patients alike.
David Probert, chief executive of University College Hospital London, described the King as being "full of great energy" and "incredibly enthusiastic with the staff." Probert added that the monarch was "incredibly knowledgeable" about cancer and took great interest in the latest innovations being developed by clinical scientists at the hospital.
The visit held significant meaning for the staff at the hospital, who have faced numerous challenges in recent years. "This has been an incredibly difficult few years for the NHS. We've just come off the back of COVID, and we care for many patients with cancer - it's one of the biggest areas for us- and for the King and Queen to choose to come here was incredibly uplifting," Probert said.
As the new Patron of Cancer Research U.K., King Charles met with the charity's Chief Clinician, Professor Charlie Swanton, who has spearheaded a collaboration focusing on understanding the evolution of lung cancer and the reasons behind treatment ineffectiveness.
Queen Camilla, who is actively involved in combating cancer and its impact on families through her role as president of Maggie's cancer charity, accompanied the King during the visit. The royal couple also took the time to interact with young patients, presenting them with gifts and receiving flowers in return.
The palace provided an update on the King's ongoing treatment, sharing a positive sentiment from his doctors. "His Majesty's treatment program 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 minimize any risks to His Majesty's continued recovery," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.
While the specific type of cancer King Charles has been diagnosed with has not been disclosed, royal aides stressed that everyone's path through cancer treatment is unique and that the monarch's appearance in public demonstrates that people can continue to work and return to work when advised by their doctors.
The King's visit to the cancer hospital comes amid another health challenge within the royal family, as his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, recently revealed her own cancer diagnosis. In an emotional video announcement, the Princess of Wales shared a message of support for those affected by the disease, urging them not to lose faith or hope and reminding them that they are not alone.
