King Charles visits church in first public outing since surgery

King Charles waved as he joined Queen Camilla for a church service, his first public outing since prostate treatment.

King Charles has made his first public outing since undergoing treatment in a London hospital for an enlarged prostate.

The monarch was photographed on Sunday (local time) as he made his way into a church service with Queen Camilla at in Sandringham, giving a wave and a smile to photographers waiting outside.

The royal couple were joined on their walk to church by the Reverend Canon Paul Williams.

The 75-year-old King is staying at Sandringham after leaving hospital last Monday.

King Charles looked in good spirits during his first public appearance since a three-night hospital stay. Picture: AFP

He underwent the “corrective procedure” at the exclusive London Clinic last month.

Ahead of the surgery, Buckingham Palace said the monarch would be treated for an “enlarged prostate”.

A spokesman added that King Charles will now pause royal duties while he recovers.

Buckingham Palace said: “The King was discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment.

Queen Camilla waves as she joined King Charles at a church service in Sandringham. Picture: AFP

“He has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation.

“The King would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit.

“He is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days.”

Last week, Queen Camilla said her husband was “doing his best” as she opened a cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Last week, King Charles left a London hospital with Queen Camilla after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. Picture: Getty Images

The King is understood to have wanted to make news of his situation public to urge other men to get themselves checked.

England’s National Health Service (NHS) said the “enlarged prostate” page on the NHS website received one visit every five seconds on the day the King’s diagnosis was announced.

It has been a difficult time for the Royal Family after Princess Catherine was hospitalised for two weeks after major abdominal surgery. Princess Catherine is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.

Princess Catherine remains resting at Windsor after abdominal surgery. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles, who spent time at his daughter-in-law’s bedside before his own treatment, left hospital just hours after Princess Catherine was also allowed to head home to Windsor.

Kensington Palace said she “is making good progress” after she underwent planned abdominal surgery at the clinic.

King Charles heads home from hospital with Queen Camilla. Picture: AFP

Palace sources said that the Princess of Wales’ commitment to her royal duties will see her get back into work as soon as she can.

She is said to have plans to work from home for the time being.

The King was diagnosed with the benign condition on January 17 after going for a check-up because he was experiencing symptoms.

The King, who acceded to the throne 16 months ago, was urged to rest by his doctors ahead of the corrective procedure.

Originally published as King Charles visits church in first public outing since surgery