King Charles - live: Monarch’s poignant return to public unveiled as doctors ‘pleased’ with cancer treatment

King Charles is set to return to public duties next week after his treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer had a “positive effect”.

The 75-year-old monarch has been receiving outpatient care and has only been seen on a handful of occasions since announcing his condition in February, when he stepped back from engagements involving the public.

Despite the news, sources said that the King still has cancer and would continue to undergo treatment while managing his summer schedule.

His first engagement will be to visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday accompanied by Queen Camilla, though it is not a centre directly involved in his medical care. There he will meet medical specialists and patients as patron of Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but 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.”

Key Points

• King set to resume royal duties in public view

• First visit will be to cancer centre

• Plans remain subject to medical advice

• PM Rishi Sunak hails ‘brilliant' news

• King to visit cancer treatment centre

King to return to public duties as cancer care continues

Friday 26 April 2024 18:00 , Jane Dalton

King Charles has announced he will be returning to public duties as he continues to undergo treatment for cancer.

The monarch has been receiving care as an outpatient since announcing his diagnosis in February, and Buckingham Palace officials say he has been reacting positively to the treatment.

A spokesperson said: “His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.”

His return to public duties will not be a full summer programme, but will be announced nearer the time and will be subject to doctors’ advice.

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King to visit cancer treatment centre

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King Charles has been receiving outpatient care and has only been seen on a handful of occasions since announcing his condition in February, when he stepped back from engagements involving the public.

Despite the news, sources said that the King still has cancer and would continue to undergo treatment while managing his summer schedule.

His first engagement will be to visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday accompanied by Queen Camilla, though it is not a centre directly involved in his medical care.

There he will meet medical specialists and patients as patron of Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

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Prime minister Rishi Sunak said the King’s return to public duties was brilliant news, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer posted a longer message, wishing the King and Princess of Wales well.

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A spokesman said Tuesday’s visit to a cancer centre would be the first in a number of external engagements for the King in the weeks ahead, adding: “In addition, the King and Queen will host Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June, at the request of HM Government.”

King and Queen to visit cancer centre

04:00 , Jane Dalton

Buckingham Palace said that to mark the King’s return to public duties, he and Camilla would visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday to meet medical specialists and patients.

The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.

The hospital has not been publicly identified.

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A parish priest said he punched the air in delight when he learnt of the King’s news. Tom Mumford, from Ipswich, Suffolk, wrote “wonderful news!”

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A spokesman said Tuesday’s visit to a cancer centre would be the first in a number of external engagements for the King in the weeks ahead, adding: “In addition, the King and Queen will host Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June, at the request of HM Government.

“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 past year.”

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Prime minister Rishi Sunak said it was brilliant news.

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Plans remain subject to medical advice

Friday 26 April 2024 18:39 , Jane Dalton

The summer months are a busy period for the royal family, when colourful set-piece events such as Trooping the Colour, Garter Day and Royal Ascot are held, with the prospect towards the end of the year of overseas travel as Samoa hosts the biennial meeting of Commonwealth leaders.

A Palace spokesperson said planning continued into ways in which the monarch and his wife may attend events in the summer and autumn although “nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed” and all plans remain subject to medical advice nearer the time.

Starmer ‘delighted'

Friday 26 April 2024 18:37 , Jane Dalton

Sir Keir Starmer said he was delighted to see the King returning to public duties.

The Labour leader wrote on social media: “Delighted to see His Majesty looking so well, and returning to public duties.

“On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish him and the Princess of Wales the best, as they continue their recovery with the support of their families.”

King ‘much encouraged'

Friday 26 April 2024 18:20 , Jane Dalton

The King is said to be “greatly encouraged” at returning to public facing royal duties.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “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.”

Charles’s diary of events will not be a full summer programme, and attendance will be announced nearer the time and “subject to doctors’ advice”, with “adaptations made where necessary to minimise risk” to the King’s recovery.

It is understood the warmer weather would allow events to be staged outside and minimise the risk posed by other people that many cancer patients face.

The spokesperson added: “The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”

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History of illnesses in the Royal Family after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis

Royal visit to cancer centre planned

Friday 26 April 2024 18:09 , Jane Dalton

To mark the King’s return to public duties, Buckingham Palace said Charles and Camilla would visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday to meet medical specialists and patients.

The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.

The hospital has not been publicly identified.

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Welcome to our live coverage

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Welcome to our live coverage of royal events, we’ll be bringing you all the latest updates here.