King Charles meets cancer patients as public engagements resume
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King Charles has met cancer patients as part of his first major public engagement since his own diagnosis.
The King, who has been named Cancer Research UK's new patron, and Queen Camilla smiled and waved as they arrived at a specialist cancer centre.
He spoke to staff and patients at the London unit, and said the challenge was to "get enough people early".
The visit comes after a Buckingham Palace statement last week had a more positive message about his health.
Aside from an Easter church service, the King has stayed away from public events since his treatment for an unspecified form of cancer began.
But the King's doctors were said to be "very encouraged by the progress made so far".
It means he is able to begin a gradual return to public engagements, starting with this symbolic trip to the Macmillan Cancer Centre at University College Hospital in central London on Tuesday.
"Are you glad to be back?" someone shouted as the King emerged from the royal Bentley outside the centre, to which he appeared to respond cheerfully although his words were indistinct.
Inside the hospital, the King met patients including Lesley Woodbridge, who is receiving her second round of chemotherapy for sarcoma.
The King was offered bunches of flowers by young people outside the hospital.
One young patient received a set of books from the Queen, and a chocolate coin. The boy's mother said they had enjoyed the royal visit, which was a "distraction" on one of their regular trips to hospital.
The King looked at medical equipment such as a CT scanner and spoke to staff.
Emphasising the importance of cancer checks for an early diagnosis, he said the challenge is "to get enough people early".
His recent personal experience of cancer, which was diagnosed in February, brings an additional significance to his visit to the hospital - where he was expected to pay tribute to the staff's efforts on behalf of patients, families and carers.
The visit was intended to continue the King's desire to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis. It follows the monarch's decision to make public his own health issues earlier this year, in the hope it will encourage others to seek health checks.
The King was expected to see some of the innovative technology and cancer research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.
During his visit, he met the charity's chief clinician, Professor Charlie Swanton, who has led a project tackling various cancers.
Although the mood music about the King's health is more positive, it remains a cautious optimism, with the King's cancer treatment still continuing and no date announced for its completion so far.
However, he is expected to be sufficiently well to host a state visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June, which forms part of his role as head of state.
Despite his recent convalescence, the King has carried on with his constitutional role, including regular private meetings with the prime minister.
Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether the King will be able to attend some of the key royal events taking place in the weeks ahead, including Trooping the Colour, garden parties and D-Day commemorations.
Decisions on whether he will be able to take part will be made following medical advice nearer the time, but the King's summer schedule is likely to be reduced, or adapted, while he continues his recovery.
