King Charles visits cancer centre in first public outing since diagnosis
King Charles has shared personal details about his cancer diagnosis as he returned to public duties.
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King Charles told cancer patients “I’m well” at his first major public engagement since his own diagnosis.
The King reassured fellow cancer patients about the state of his health, and told one: “I’m well, thank you very much, not too bad.”
He learnt about some of the latest treatments and sympathised with one patient, revealing he had “treatment this afternoon as well”.
The King also sympathised with one cancer patient as she received her chemotherapy with many others in a day unit, telling Lesley Woodbridge, 63: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”
Woodbridge is a cancer patient receiving the second round of chemotherapy for sarcoma.
It comes as King Charles returned to public duties for the first time in three months with the visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.
Charles – who is being treated for an undisclosed cancer – was joined by wife Queen Camilla and looked jubilant when he arrived for his comeback wearing a pink dinosaur tie, smiling and waving at well wishers.
Arms wide open, he greeted a small contingent of cheering die-hard fans gathered after news of the royal visit had leaked out.
Royal super fan John Loughrey, 69, stood in the crowd with roses to give to the King.
“I am going to tell him I have been praying for him and what a brilliant job Queen Camilla has been doing for him,” he said.
Mr Loughrey said his partner Marion lost her battle to skin cancer 21 years ago, two months after she was diagnosed.
When asked about his health battle and recovery, His Majesty said it was a “bit of a shock” to be given his cancer diagnosis.
“Not too bad. It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?” he said.
Ahead of the King’s visit on Tuesday, Buckingham Palace posted a statement on social media from the Macmillan cancer charity saying: “As His Majesty The King returns to public-facing duties, we know many people with cancer will understand that choosing to return to work can be a complex decision and can mean very different things to different people.
“It’s important to understand some people may still be going through treatment and are still dealing with its side effects. They may require adjustments at work.
“They may also continue to feel the impact of their diagnosis on themselves, their families, and friends, or they could be relieved things are starting to get ‘back to normal’.
“Restarting work can help get back into a routine and reconnect with colleagues and friends.”
The King’s aides, who organise his public engagements around his chosen causes of “climate, community, culture and Commonwealth”, say they have now added “cancer” to his briefs.
His visit is intended to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research at the hospital supported by Cancer Research UK. It also marks His Majesty’s first day as the new Patron of Cancer Research UK.
He is already patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, while the Queen is president of Maggie’s cancer charity that support sufferers and their families.
Inside the centre, the King and Queen chatted with clinicians and heard about their use of innovative technology including CT scanners used to help with the early detection of cancer.
As the King and Queen left the hospital they were met outside by a young girl who presented them with flowers in a touching gesture.
In return, Charles gave the young girl a gift bag with the royal crests before he smelt the flowers and tapped her on the shoulder.
KING BRIEFED ON LONDON SWORD ATTACK
On his first day back at work, the King also asked to be kept abreast of a situation in which a 14-year-old boy died after a man wielding a sword attacked five people in northeast London.
Two police officers and two members of the public are in hospital after the attack.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Following the horrific scenes in Hainault this morning, the King has asked to be kept fully informed as details of the incident become clearer.
“His thoughts and prayers are with all those affected – in particular, the family of the young victim who has lost his life – and he salutes the courage of the emergency services who helped contain the situation.”
“We’re also thinking of the two members of the public who were injured, as well as brave officers who were stabbed.”
The King has now also paid his respects to the youngster and his family.
It is understood King Charles hopes to appear at Trooping the Colour, on June 15 – his official birthday parade – on horseback but this has not been signed off by doctors.
He wants to be seen to “lead from the front” and is determined to ride his horse Noble for the event. It is widely reported he will be present for the traditional appearance from the working royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
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