King Charles III Returns to Duty After Two Months Absence

King Charles III finally appears again in public. Many agendas await. However, everything is flexible depending on conditions.

AP/KIN CHEUNG

King of England, Charles III, smiled upon arriving to visit the Macmillan Cancer Care Center at University College Hospital in London, England on Tuesday (30/4/2024).

LONDON, TUESDAY - King Charles III of England resumed his public duties on Tuesday (30/4/2024) after being diagnosed with cancer last February. For the first time in two months, the Palace doctors have allowed Charles to resume his duties. His health condition has improved.

Charles's face looked cheerful and cheerful when he arrived at the Macmillan Cancer Center at University College Hospital in London, England, for his first visit. "I'm fine, thank you," said Charles, telling one of the patients he met at the hospital.

Charles was previously hospitalized last February for an enlarged prostate. However, until now, the specific type of cancer and its severity level are unknown.

Also read: Just Finished Prostate Treatment, Now King Charles III Has Cancer

The University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre became the first place visited by Charles. He came with his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Charles looked cheerful, smiling, and waving his hand to the people gathered outside the hospital.

AP/KIN CHEUNG

The King of England, Charles III, and Queen Camilla wave as they arrive for a visit to the Macmillan University College Hospital Cancer Care Center in London, England on Tuesday (30/4/2024).

The spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, welcomes Charles' return. "We continue to pray that he will fully recover and be able to resume his public duties," said the spokesperson to the journalists.

The visit to the cancer hospital also marked Charles becoming the new patron of the Cancer Research UK charity. This organization was established to help raise public awareness about the importance of early cancer diagnosis. Charles' health issues began to emerge last January.

At that time, he was supposed to receive treatment for an enlarged benign prostate at the hospital. A month later, the palace announced that the test results revealed "cancerous form". However, no further details were provided. It was only mentioned that the disease did not involve his prostate.

Also read: Who is taking care of the British Empire when King Charles III and Kate Middleton are sick?

Since then, Charles underwent treatment. At the end of March, his condition was declared quite healthy. He was able to greet supporters after the Easter service at the church. The palace stated that Charles may attend various annual events, such as the military parade "Trooping the Colour," in June.

AP/POOL PHOTO/SUZANNE PLUNKETT

King Charles III of England visited the UK Cancer Research Center on Tuesday (30/4/2024). Charles was accompanied by the Head of the UK Cancer Research Center, Charlie Swanton.

In addition, Charles is also scheduled to attend the 80th anniversary of World War II and the D-Day landing, in the same month. Information from the palace also confirms that Charles and Camilla will receive a visit from Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan at the end of June.

Charles' activity schedule is flexible because it is adjusted to his health condition.

More open

Unlike most nobles before him, Charles chose to openly disclose detailed information about his health condition. He made this decision solely to increase public awareness of cancer.

The UK National Health Service states that the number of people seeking information about prostate issues increased 11 times in the weeks following Charles' announcement of undergoing treatment.

Also read: King Charles III's Popularity Declines, but His Image Remains Positive

"This is a big issue in society today. Many people have cancer and hide it because they are ashamed. It would be great if the King could raise awareness about cancer and treatment clinics," said Keegan Gray (23), a resident of England.

Charles replaced his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. He was officially crowned as king on May 6, 2023. Less than a year into his reign, Charles is already facing health issues.

AP/POOL PHOTO/SUZANNE PLUNKETT

King Charles III of England got out of his car to visit the Macmillan Cancer Care Center at the University College Hospital in London, England on Tuesday (30/4/2024).

In addition to Charles, Catherine (42) or Kate, the Princess of Wales, is also sick and has undergone stomach surgery last January. In March, she admitted to undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Like Charles, no other detailed information is provided, such as the type of cancer she is suffering from.

The cancer diagnosis suffered by Charles and Kate has caused headaches for the royal family because both of them are unable to carry out public duties. Prince William also withdrew from public activities to be with his wife and three children. There were not many senior nobles who could carry out public palace duties.

Also read: Hearing that King Charles III was ill, the “lost prince” rushed home

Camilla (76) has finally taken over more of her husband's duties. Charles' younger sister, Princess Anne, and his younger brother, Prince Edward, have also joined in on the duties.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry is no longer expected as he is no longer a member of the royal family. However, Harry is likely to arrive in London on May 8 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games for disabled military veterans. He and his wife, Meghan Markle, will also be asked to carry out public duties at the palace in Nigeria. (REUTERS/AFP/AP)