King Charles made a triumphant comeback to public life this week, unveiling a new portrait with Queen Camilla by his side to commemorate the event. The 75-year-old king has a lot to be happy about after receiving optimistic news from his doctors.
While not yet in remission, a palace spokesperson stated that His Majesty's medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far. Doctors are said to be satisfied that the monarch can now resume a variety of public-facing responsibilities.
King Charles’ first destination last week, with Queen Camilla, 76, was a cancer treatment facility where he intended to raise awareness about early detection. "He's thrilled to be back on the roster, and Camilla's so proud of him," a royal source told Woman's Day Australia.
The visit was King Charles' first formal public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year following treatment for benign prostatic enlargement. The palace said in late April that King Charles will return to public duties after "a period of treatment and recuperation" following his diagnosis.
The palace confirmed that King Charles' treatment continues, as per ABCNews. "His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise," a palace spokesperson said in a statement.
The palace has not disclosed the type or stage of cancer with which King Charles was diagnosed. When his illness was made public on February 5, the palace simply stated that King Charles had begun "a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties."
While he did not attend public events, King Charles has for the last three months done the behind-the-scenes duties of a king, managing official paperwork and continuing his weekly meetings with Britain's prime minister.
The monarch was last seen in public on Easter Sunday, when he and Camilla attended the Easter Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, England, alongside other royal family members. King Charles' return to public responsibilities is intended to boost public trust in both his health and the royal family.
While King Charles was undergoing cancer treatment, his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, officially announced that she had also been diagnosed with cancer. Kate, whose cancer kind has not been revealed, has been away from public life since January, when she had planned stomach surgery at the same London hospital where Charles was treated for benign prostate enlargement.
Princess Kate announced her illness in a video message in March, stating that the cancer was detected during post-operative tests following her surgery. With both Princess Kate and King Charles recovering, the burden of carrying out royal duties has rested on Camilla and Prince William, who only returned to work on April 18 after spending the Easter holiday with Kate and their three young children.
King Charles' return to public activities comes ahead of a historic two months for the royal family. In June, members of the royal family are anticipated to join Charles in commemorating his second Trooping the Colour as king.
Later in June, Charles and Camilla are slated to host Japan's emperor and empress on a state visit. Furthermore, May 6 will be the first anniversary of Charles and Camilla's historic crowning ceremony.
