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King Charles made a return to public duties with a visit to a hospital and specialist cancer centre in London.
The King, alongside Queen Camilla, met doctors and patients during the visit in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research taking place at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.
Both smiled broadly and waved to onlookers as they greeted staff including Baroness Neuberger, chairman of University London College Hospitals (UCLH), and David Probert, its chief executive on Tuesday.
It was the 75-year-old monarch’s first public engagement since his cancer diagnosis, and follows a statement issued by Buckingham Palace in which the King was said to be making positive progress in his treatment.
Charles was also announced as the new patron of Cancer Research UK taking over the patronage from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.
The public engagement also comes ahead of the planned return to the UK by Prince Harry for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games next week.
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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.
ICYMI: Royal fan ‘touched’ as Camilla thanks him for flowers
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.”
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Watch: King and Queen exchange flowers and presents with children as Charles resumes public duties
King and Queen receive flowers from children as Charles resumes public duties
King Charles III smiled when he exchanged a present and flowers with a young girl as he resumed public-facing duties for the first time since his diagnosis at a cancer centre in London on Tuesday, 30 April. His Majesty, who has been named as the new patron of Cancer Research UK, was joined by the Queen at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre to meet medical staff and patients. Charles has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February. His visit aims to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis and highlight some of the innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.
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ICYMI: King reassures public ‘I’m well’ as he meets with fellow cancer sufferers in return to public duties
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Prince William champions men’s mental health on last engagement of the day
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.
King Charles gifts young boy chocolate and books
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.
Cancer expert says Palace must always have a ‘plan B’ as King Charles returns to work
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.”
Source: independent.co.uk
