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King Charles smiles with Queen Camilla by his side on walk to church after cancer diagnosis

King Charles attended church in his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis, as it was revealed he limited his time with Prince Harry to keep his stress levels down.

King Charles waved to well wishers as he headed to church with Queen Camilla in his first appearance since revealing his cancer diagnosis.

The King, 75, made his customary Sunday visit to St Mary Magdalene Church near his home in Sandringham, Norfolk, where he has been convalescing.

As he recovers from treatment for cancer at the Sandringham estate with Queen Camilla, the King is said to have attended church on several occasions for some more quiet prayer time.

“He is a deeply religious man and turns to church for solace, he is a champion of different religions, and now is a time he has been seeking God,” said royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.

Reverend Paul Williams greets King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they arrive at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate. Picture: AFP
Reverend Paul Williams greets King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they arrive at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate. Picture: AFP

The couple looked upbeat as they smiled and waved at fans, making their way to church.

The King walked with an umbrella and wore a double-breasted taupe coat and the Queen wore a cream frock coat.

It comes as the King is expected to have further cancer treatment as an outpatient in London this month and the Palace has yet to set a date for his return to frontline duties.

Writing in a signed message released on Saturday, the King gave thanks for the messages of support since last Monday’s announcement.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in eastern England. Picture: AFP
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in eastern England. Picture: AFP

The King said: “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”

He added it was “equally heartening” that sharing his diagnosis has “shone a light” on the great work carried out by cancer charities.

“My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

WHY HARRY’S MEETING LASTED JUST 30 MINUTES

Prince Harry is set to return to the UK in May following his whirlwind visit from LA to see his ailing father.

The youngest son of King Charles is tipped to celebrate the 10th birthday of the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014, by taking part in an event at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

It comes amid reports King Charles only granted Prince Harry 30 minutes for a reunion last week in order to keep calm while he undergoes treatment.

Royal expert Robert Jobson told The Sun that royal aides advised the King to only meet with the Duke of Sussex for 30 minutes to ensure his blood pressure levels stay down.

Prince Harry spent just 30 minutes with his father in order to keep his blood pressure down. Picture: AFP/Getty Images
Prince Harry spent just 30 minutes with his father in order to keep his blood pressure down. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

Jobson told The Sun, “You don’t want his blood pressure going up. The King’s not very well, whatever type of cancer it is, he’s undergoing treatment.”

His Majesty has postponed all frontline engagements while he undergoes cancer treatment.

He is expected to convalesce at Windsor Castle, Highgrove and Sandringham over the coming weeks and months.

The King and Queen were set to embark on a tour of Canada in May, which would have included trips to the Arctic Circle.

But the trip, coming after three successful state visits to France, Germany and Kenya last year, will not go ahead as planned.

King Charles III, pictured last September, has been diagnosed with a cancer. Picture: AFP
King Charles III, pictured last September, has been diagnosed with a cancer. Picture: AFP

The King had been keen to appear at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, which starts on October 21.

The trip would involve flying 16,000 kilometres to the South Pacific country and would be held alongside the King and Queen’s first tour of Australia since the coronation.

Last week’s announcement of the King’s cancer diagnosis revealed a “separate issue” had been found following a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate.

The Palace has not confirmed the type of cancer, but it is understood not to be the prostate.

His Majesty is said to be receiving “pioneering” treatment and will return regularly to London for care.

Palace sources say he wanted to be open about his condition to “prevent speculation” and “assist public understanding” about cancer.

Originally published as King Charles smiles with Queen Camilla by his side on walk to church after cancer diagnosis

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