King Charles says he is "alright" and cancer diagnosis was "a shock" as he continues treatment after returning to work
30 April 2024, 11:22 | Updated: 30 April 2024, 14:25
The King has said that he's doing 'alright' as he returned to public-facing duties with a visit to a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday.
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The King and Queen sat down with patients during a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on Tuesday as he returned to public duties for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.
The royal pair met with patients and experts at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.
He appeared in good spirits as he visited the centre and told chemotherapy patients that he was “not too bad" amid his own cancer treatment, which he said he would also be having later on Tuesday.
When asked about his health, he told a patient: “I’m alright thank you very much, not too bad.”
Discussing their shared experiences of being diagnosed, the King told one patient: “It's always a bit of a shock, isn't it, when they tell you?’”
Speaking to Lesley Woodbridge, 63, as she was being treated, he said: “I've got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”
Asha Millen, 60, who is receiving chemotherapy for bone marrow cancer also asked Charles about his health, she said: “I said 'how are you?' and he said 'I'm well’.”
It was announced the King has been named as the new patron of Cancer Research UK as he arrived at the centre on Tuesday.
He is take over the patronage from his mother the late Queen.
The King spent time speaking with Professor Charlie Swanton, the chief clinician of Cancer Research UK, and other hospital staff as he inspected a CT scanner during the visit.
Charles is aiming to raise awareness on the importance of an early cancer diagnosis.
Speaking during the visit, Charles said the key challenge with the disease is “to get enough people early”.
He was pictured holding hands with some of the patients at the treatment centre and also gave gifts to children on their way out.
As they ended their royal visit the pair were gifted bouquets of flowers by well-wishers stood outside the centre.
It comes after Buckingham Palace released a statement last Friday saying the King’s “treatment programme will continue” as he has not yet been given the all-clear but that his medical team are "very encouraged" by the progress he has made.
The statement read: “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 minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery."
The Palace said it was “too early to say” how much longer the King’s treatment will continue for - but “his Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about The King’s continued recovery.”
They added: "Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty's continued recovery."
King Charles visited a cancer treatment centre as he returned to public duties for the first time since his diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed the King and Queen will also host Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan for a State Visit in June.
The summer months are typically a busy time for the royal family, with events such as Trooping the Colour, the Royal Ascot and Garter Day.
It has not been confirmed which of these events these Kings will be able to attend, as the Palace said it remains “subject to doctors’ advice”.
