King Charles III offered a glimpse into his ongoing cancer treatment during his first public engagement since being diagnosed earlier this year. The monarch, along with Queen Camilla, visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on Tuesday, April 30, where they met with patients and staff in his new role as the patron of Cancer Research UK.
Speaking to GB News, royal commentator Jennie Bond provided an update on the King's health, revealing that he had undergone treatment just the day before. "The King is being more than monitored. He's been treated," Bond said. "In fact, he was having a treatment just yesterday afternoon. He confided in one of the patients that he was having his treatment."
While the specific nature of the King's treatment remains undisclosed, Bond noted that he discussed the cold cap, which is used during chemotherapy, with another patient. "We don't know what treatment that is, but he did discuss the cold cap, which is used during chemotherapy with another patient. Maybe that's what he's having. But certainly, the treatment is ongoing," she added.
During his visit to the cancer treatment center, Charles interacted with various patients and shared his own experience. When asked how he's been doing, the King replied, "Not too bad," revealing that he was set to undergo "treatment this afternoon as well." He also mentioned that the news of his diagnosis was initially "a bit of a shock."
Bond also pointed out that the King's choice of tie could be an indicator of his mental wellbeing. "He was wearing his favourite tie, it is his C Rex tie. It's got little dinosaurs on it. And he wears that when he's feeling pretty cheerful," she said. The tie, which could be a gift from one of his grandchildren or a nod to an inside joke shared with his family, suggests that the King was feeling upbeat during the engagement.
In photographs from the visit, Charles appeared overjoyed to be back performing duties for the first time since his cancer diagnosis, smiling and holding the hands of patients on the chemotherapy ward. As the new patron of Cancer Research UK, the King was shown some of the innovative medical technology at the Macmillan Cancer Centre.
Details of Charles' diagnosis have been kept under wraps since it was announced in February, with other royal family members standing in for him at official engagements. Buckingham Palace confirmed on Friday, April 26, that the King would be making his first appearance since his diagnosis, stating that his medical team is "encouraged by the progress" he has made thus far and "remain positive" about the treatments.
The palace also noted that forthcoming engagements would be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to the King's continued recovery, with the pacing of his program being carefully calibrated in close consultation with his medical team.
Charles' return to public duties coincides with his and Camilla's 19th wedding anniversary, which was marked by a new photo of the couple. The portrait was also released to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Charles' coronation, set to be observed on Monday, May 6.
