Britain’s King Charles III is to return public royal duties after the positive effect of his cancer treatment.
Charles has been receiving care as an outpatient since early February and the announcement will be a boost for the monarchy as it comes to terms with king and the Princess Kate of Wales as cancer patients.
Sources stressed that in spite of the welcome news; the king still has cancer and will continue to be treated for the undisclosed form of the disease.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson on Friday said that “his majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the king’s continued recovery.”
It has been widely reported that the king was keen to resume some form of public duties, in spite of his illness, after the announcement of his cancer diagnosis on February 6.
To mark the development, Buckingham Palace said Charles and Queen Camilla will visit a cancer treatment Centre on Tuesday to meet medical specialists and patients.
The royal 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 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 minimize any risks to his majesty’s continued recovery.”
Charles’s diary of events will not be a full summer programme, and attendance will be announced close to the time and “subject to doctors’ advice,” with “adaptations made where necessary to minimize risk” to the king’s recovery.
It is understood the warmer weather would allow events to be staged outside and minimize 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.”
A picture marking the first anniversary of the crowning of the king and queen on May 6 has been released, taken the day after their 19th wedding anniversary on April 10.
Charles and Camilla are shown smiling broadly and walking arm in arm along a path with shrubs and colourful flowers in the background.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “His majesty the king will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.
“To help mark this milestone, the King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients.
“This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements his majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead. 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 [his majesty’s] 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.” (dpa/NAN)