Britain’s King Charles III waves as he arrives to visit the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Center on April 30, 2024 in London. Image Credit: AP
On April 30, King Charles III also told cancer patients “I’m fine” as he made his first official public engagement since being diagnosed with the condition.
The British head of state appeared relaxed as he and his wife Queen Camilla met patients and staff at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Center in central London.
He spoke to patients receiving chemotherapy in the day unit, including 60-year-old Asha Millen, who has bone marrow cancer.
“I said, ‘How are you?’ and he said, ‘I’m fine,'” he later told reporters.
Another patient, Lesley Woodbridge, 63, said King sympathized with her and added: “I still have to do my treatment this afternoon.”
Charles, 75, suspended most of his duties in February after he was diagnosed with cancer while undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate the previous month.
The exact nature of his cancer has not been disclosed but doctors said last week that he was “very encouraged” by the progress of his treatment as an outpatient and was “positive” about his recovery.
His niece Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, had abdominal surgery in January and said in March that she was receiving chemotherapy.
Again, no details were given on what type of cancer she had. Kate, as she is widely known, is married to Charles’ eldest son and heir, Prince William.
‘positive’
Tuesday’s event is the first of several planned engagements over the coming weeks and is designed to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis and highlight innovative research, Buckingham Palace said.
Charles, who will succeed his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, was officially crowned king on May 6 last year.
He has attended church services since diagnosis and in select audiences. He also continues his official state business.
His treatment will continue but his schedule will be reduced in the coming weeks and subject to medical advice, the spokesman said.
His engagements include a state visit to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan in June.
David Probert, chief executive of University College London Hospitals Group, said Charles was “deliberately going out to see as many staff and patients as he could”.
The patients were “delighted” to see him, he told Sky News and described the visit as “incredibly uplifting”.
According to Cancer Research UK, members of the public welcomed the monarch’s return to some duties last week, praising her for raising awareness of cancer, which affects one in two people.
‘big problem’
Probert said King’s announcement led to a surge in people seeking symptoms and seeking treatment.
“It’s a huge problem in today’s society,” New Zealand demolitions manager Keegan Gray, 23, told AFP on Friday.
“A lot of people have cancer and a lot of people keep it to themselves, they’re a little bit ashamed of it,” she said after news that Charles would resume some public duties.
Gray said it was “really beautiful” that the king was raising awareness about the work of cancer and treatment clinics.
Charles and Kate’s cancer diagnosis has caused headaches for the royal family, with both postponing public engagements.
William has taken a step back to support his wife and their three young children, leaving less senior royals to fill the schedule.
Camilla, 76, has offered to take on her husband’s many engagements. Charles’ sister Princess Anne and his younger brother Prince Edward also played more prominent roles.
Charles’ largely estranged youngest son, Prince Harry is no longer a working royal but is expected to be in London on May 8 to mark the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games for disabled military veterans.
He will later visit Nigeria with his American wife Meghan.