Queen Camilla attends Windsor Castle reception as King Charles recovers after prostate surgery

Queen Camilla let out a sigh of relief as she revealed how King Charles was doing following his prostate surgery.

The King is “getting on” and “doing his best” after undergoing surgery for an enlarged prostate in hospital, Queen Camilla has revealed.

The King’s consort told baying fans who asked for an update on the King’s health that he is recovering well following the operation for the benign condition.

As she officially opened a new Maggie’s cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in northwest London, the Queen told donor Sir Gerald Ronson: “He’s getting on, doing his best.”

Camilla had been quietly worried about her workaholic husband who was due to stay an extra night in hospital after working “too soon” by attending to red box matters from his hospital bed.

Britain's Queen Camilla talks with volunteers and visitors to the centre after officially opening 'Maggie's Royal Free', a new cancer support centre. Picture: AFP

When at the opening of the support centre, Dori Dana-Haeri, who led the fundraising effort, said she was “so pleased” Charles was well, the Queen nodded enthusiastically and replied: “Thank goodness.”

Meanwhile, supporter Sir Michael Pakenham said: “All best wishes to His Majesty for the very best recovery.”

Camilla replied: “Thank you very much, that’s very kind. I’ll pass it on.”

CAMILLA’S BRAVE FRONT

Queen Camilla is forging ahead with royal duties after welcoming King Charles home following his prostate surgery.

The Queen beamed as she hosted a reception at Windsor Castle for authors, illustrators and binders who have been involved in the new Miniature Library collection.

The collection of tiny books is displayed alongside Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a doll-size replica of a vast Edwardian home with electricity, working lifts and running water.

Queen Camilla holds a miniature book she received during a reception at Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty Images

Queen Camilla joked that her eyesight had “deteriorated” as she revealed the 4.5cm high miniature book she wrote for the collection, which features tiny books penned by 14 modern-day authors.

Writers involved in the project include Sebastian Faulks, Bernardine Evaristo and the Queen’s son, Tom Parker Bowles.

Queen Camilla speaks to Haein Song during a reception at Windsor Castle for authors, illustrators and binders. Picture: Getty Images

Queen Camilla is given a miniature book by Glenn Bartley, head of the Royal Bindery during a reception at Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty Images

It comes as King Charles continues to recover at home after leaving the London Clinic earlier this week following a three-night stay.

The 75-year-old monarch underwent a “corrective procedure” at the world-class facility, which is near Regent’s Park, for an enlarged prostate.

The King’s daughter-in-law, Princess Catherine, was also discharged from the same hospital two weeks after undergoing major abdominal surgery.

King Charles leaving The London Clinic with Queen Camilla by his side. Picture: Getty Images

King Charles left the London Clinic with his wife just before 3pm on Monday (2am Tuesday AEDT), waving enthusiastically to onlookers as he climbed into a chauffeur-driven car.

A smiling Queen Camilla arrived an hour earlier at 2pm (1am AEDT) ahead of him being discharged.

KING ‘TOLD OFF FOR WORKING TOO HARD’

The monarch was treated for a benign prostate problem, which is non-cancerous, and a common condition in older men.

“The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

“His Majesty would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days.”

He was expected to stay another night after working “too soon” from his hospital bed as a precautionary measure.

The monarch was treated for a benign prostate problem. Picture: AFP

“He was told off for working too hard and was due to stay one more night, but promised doctors he would take it easy once discharged,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said.

Doctors had ordered the workaholic King to rest up and not delve onto the red box which contains briefing documents and important papers that the monarch must sign and provide royal assent for.

The King spent three nights in hospital. Picture: Getty Images

“The King is doing fine but he’s been at the red box and refusing to heed doctors’ advice to take it easy,” Mr Fitzwilliams said.

“The reason that the King was kept in hospital [longer] is because he’s been delving into his red box and working when he shouldn’t be and managing Commonwealth realm business, so he’s been told to take it easy. He’s basically back to work too soon.”

Princess Catherine is recovering at home after abdominal surgery. Picture: AFP

Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales left the same London hospital on Monday morning local time, 13 days after being admitted for abdominal surgery. She is now recovering at home in Windsor.

“The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress,” a Kensington Palace spokesman said.

“The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided.

“The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”

The princess is recovering at home after leaving hospital. Picture: AFP

The Princess of Wales is not likely to return to royal duties until April.

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace confirmed the King could be out of action for a month and would not attend public engagements.

Queen Camilla visited her husband daily during his hospital stay and is herself understood to have told him to “take it easy”.

King Charles was apparently told off for working too hard in the lead up to his surgery. Picture: AFP

She told people inside the London Clinic on Friday that the King was “doing well” after the procedure.

King Charles made time to visit his daughter-in-law who had undergone abdominal surgery last week.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman previously said: “His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”

Queen Camilla reportedly told King Charles to “take it easy”. Picture: AFP

He chose to publicise his condition in a bid to encourage men to get checked out for the condition which commonly affects men over 50.

The benign condition was discovered on January 17 while the King was staying at Birkhall, Aberdeenshire, after going for a check-up when he was experiencing symptoms.

King Charles is known to be a workaholic who misses lunch and often stays at his desk working late at night and into the early hours of the morning.

The monarch, who only acceded to throne 16 months ago, cancelled engagements and was urged to rest by his doctors ahead of the corrective procedure.

The exact nature of his treatment is not known.

NHS England said the “enlarged prostate” page on its website received one visit every five seconds on the day the King’s diagnosis was announced, with further huge boosts in visits in the ensuing days.

Originally published as Queen Camilla attends Windsor Castle reception as King Charles recovers after prostate surgery