King Charles III is to return to public duties next week after temporarily stepping back from the spotlight during treatment for cancer.
Buckingham Palace said that the British monarch’s doctors were “sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that the King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties”.
The King, who will continue to be treated for an undisclosed form of the disease, will visit a cancer centre on Tuesday with Queen Camilla to meet medical staff and patients.
The 75-year-old monarch has been receiving care as an outpatient since early February. Buckingham Palace has said he does not have prostate cancer; he had previously undergone treatment for an enlarged prostate.
“His Majesty the King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis,” the palace said in a statement. “His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.”
The royal family have had a number of health shocks since King Charles succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. In March this year Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced she too had received a cancer diagnosis and was in the early stages of treatment.
The princess’s condition meant that two of the senior members of the Royal Family had to withdraw from public duties.
The King has continued to work through his treatment and has held private meetings as head of state, including holding regular audiences with Rishi Sunak, prime minister. Some of the meetings have not been in person.
Buckingham Palace said the King would undertake “a number of external engagements” in the weeks ahead, including hosting the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June.
The palace released a picture of the King and Queen to mark the first anniversary of their crowning on May 6 2023; it was taken on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary.
The King would not carry out a full summer programme of events, while his schedule would be subject to doctors’ advice, a palace spokesman said. “Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
The visit by the King and Queen to the cancer treatment centre is part of an effort by the royal family to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis of the disease.
“As the first anniversary of the coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the last year,” the palace said.
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