King Charles Steps Out for First Public Outing Since His Cancer Diagnosis Alongside Queen Camilla

The monarch's doctors are "sufficiently pleased with the progress" he has made thus far, allowing for the visit to a research center and hospital to proceed

King Charles has returned to public-facing duties amid his ongoing cancer treatment.

On April 30, the monarch, 75, accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, 76, visited a cancer hospital in London. During the poignant outing, they spent around an hour meeting with medical specialists and patients to emphasize the importance of early cancer detection and learn more about the support on offer.

The visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre marks King Charles' first official public engagement since his cancer diagnosis was announced on Feb. 5. Following his diagnosis, he has continued working behind the scenes and hosting small audiences. He also greeted well-wishers after attending a church service on Easter Sunday.

While the hospital has not been directly involved in the monarch's medical care, highlighting the importance of early detection was one of the reasons King Charles went public with his cancer diagnosis. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously stated that this decision was made "in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

As he stepped out of his maroon Bentley upon arrival, the King waved to well-wishers — some of whom craned their necks out of open windows above — and acknowledged the good wishes of the media who called out, “How are you feeling?”

“I felt pleased for the King," loyal royalist John Loughrey, 69, told PEOPLE outside the hospital. "For me, it’s nice to see him back, and we all missed him. He’s come here today to see people who’ve got cancer and show that he — and they’re — not alone.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla stopped to wave to the cameras before being greeted by senior hospital staff and dignitaries. Inside, the monarch was welcomed by cheers from ranks of hospital staff gathered in the main central hall.

The palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer that King Charles has (beyond stating that he does not have prostate cancer).

Royal aides also stressed Tuesday that while his appearance in public shows that people can continue to work with cancer — and return to work when they’re advised as able to do so by doctors — everyone has their own path to follow as they are treated for the condition.

The University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, which has been open for 12 years, provides facilities for diagnosing and treating a wide range of cancer and non-cancer conditions. Additionally, it offers crucial support to patients and their families.

Related: Has King Charles Finished Cancer Treatment? Palace Answers Burning Questions About Monarch's Health

For King Charles and Queen Camilla, the purpose of their visit was to underscore the significance of early cancer diagnosis and to acknowledge innovative research, some of which is funded by Cancer Research U.K. and conducted at the University College Hospital Macmillan Centre in central London.

Upon arrival, the royal couple met with clinicians and learned about their use of groundbreaking technology such as CT scanners, which aid in early cancer detection.

David Probert, chief executive of University College Hospital London, tells PEOPLE that the monarch was "full of great energy. He engaged positively and, as always, was incredibly enthusiastic with the staff."

"It was a wonderful atmosphere. The energy was high," he adds. "Their Majesties were full of enthusiasm and engaging with the patients and most importantly for our staff. It was very uplifting.”

Probert said he found King Charles, whom he had met before, "incredibly knowledgeable, and every time I speak to him I learn something new about cancer." The monarch took great interest with the clinical scientists in the basement of the building about the “latest innovations,” he added.

For King Charles to resume his public work at the hospital meant a "huge amount" to the staff, Probert says.

"This has been an incredibly difficult few years for the NHS. We’ve just come off the back of COVID, and we care for many patients with cancer — it’s one of the biggest areas for us— and for the King and Queen to choose to come here was incredibly uplifting," he says.

Probert adds, "We didn’t rehearse our staff to clap and cheer. Everybody was happy and keen to meet the King and Queen — you could just tell by the smiles and the enthusiastic comments that they were talking to someone who’s himself been through a difficult time."

King Charles, the new Patron of Cancer Research U.K., took the opportunity to meet the charity’s Chief Clinician, Professor Charlie Swanton. Swanton has spearheaded a collaboration with 250 researchers and clinicians based at 19 centers across the U.K. Their research focuses on understanding the evolution of lung cancer over time and the reasons behind treatment ineffectiveness.

While King Charles has assumed this new patronage, his wife is actively involved in combating cancer and its impact on families. As president of Maggie’s cancer charity, one of her core causes, she oversees the provision of expert care and support, free of charge, at centers across the U.K. and online for individuals with cancer, as well as their friends and families. Since assuming the role of president, she has made regular visits to centers throughout the U.K. and inaugurated a new Maggie’s center at London's Royal Free Hospital in January 2024.

As they left the hospital, King Charles and Queen Camilla were handed flowers by Della Thomas, 6, and Ellis Edwards, 11, who are patients at the hospital. The royal couple had gifts of their own for the youngsters: some books for Ellis and a bag of goodies for Della, including a toy version of Camilla's rescue dog Beth and a large chocolate coin.

Buckingham Palace announced encouraging news on April 26, revealing that this outing would be the first of several engagements planned for King Charles in the coming weeks. These engagements include hosting a state visit at Buckingham Palace for the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June.

The palace also provided an update on the King's ongoing treatment, sharing a positive sentiment from his doctors.

"His Majesty’s treatment program 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 minimize any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.

The palace did not disclose when the King’s treatment might be completed.

"It is too early to say, but His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery," the spokesperson explained.

As for how he's feeling, the palace added that he's "greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise."

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King Charles isn't the only member of the royal family undergoing cancer treatment. His daughter-in-law Kate Middleton revealed her cancer diagnosis last month after weeks of speculation about her health. In an emotional video announcement, she shared a personal message with those affected by the disease.

"At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope," she said. "You are not alone." 

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