King Charles to resume public duties after cancer diagnosis

STORY: King Charles will return to public duties next week for the first time since he was diagnosed with cancer as he makes good progress following treatment and a period of recuperation, Buckingham Palace said on Friday (April 26).

The palace revealed in February that the 75-year-old king had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, which was detected in tests after he had a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate.

His only public appearance came last month when he greeted well-wishers in an impromptu walkabout after an Easter church service in Windsor, raising hopes his health was improving.

Charles continued with official state business behind the scenes.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Charles was “greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team.”

Doctors were positive about his continued recovery though it was too early to say how much longer treatment would continue.

The king's absence coincided with news that his daughter-in-law Kate, wife of his heir Prince William, was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after tests carried out in the wake of major abdominal surgery revealed that cancer had been present.

To mark his return, Charles and his wife Queen Camilla will visit a cancer treatment center in London next Tuesday, the palace said.

But to aid his recovery, Charles won’t carry out his usual summer program.