King Charles opens up on ‘shock’ of cancer diagnosis during emotional return to royal duties

The King has made his long-awaited return to public duties with an appearance in London, where he shared very rare personal details.

King Charles has returned to public duties. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

King Charles appeared to become emotional as he stepped back into the spotlight to resume royal duties following his cancer diagnosis.

The monarch, 75, has kept a low profile since February, when Buckingham Palace announced he was being treated for an undisclosed form of the disease and would be temporarily retreating from public life.

After being given the green-light by his medical team, the King – alongside his wife Queen Camilla – undertook his first official engagement in months on Tuesday, aptly choosing to visit the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.

He appeared relaxed and in good form as he met with staff, who taught him about the facility’s treatment technology, and also patients, with whom he swapped details of his cancer experience.

One patient discussed her chemotherapy with Charles, who told her: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well,” according to the UK’s Mirror.

Another asked after his health, to which he responded: “I’m all right, thank you very much – not too bad”.

Charles also spoke for the first time about the moment he found out he had cancer, telling one patient: “It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?”

King Charles met with patients at the facility. Picture: Suzanne Plunkett – WPA Pool/Getty Images

He appeared emotional at times. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

The hospital visit comes just days after the Palace released a statement confirming the King was showing good signs of progress with is treatment and would be resuming official duties.

“His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis,” it read, before highlighting Tuesday’s cancer centre visit.

“This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.”

He was accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The pair was greeted by supporters outside the facility. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

The Palace added that the King and Queen will also host the Emperor and Empress of Japan in June, in a further sign of a return to business as usual.

The statement wrapped up with a heartfelt message in response to the royals’ many wellwishers.

“As the first anniversary of the Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year,” it read.

Meanwhile, the King’s daughter-in-law, Kate, is continuing her own extended break from royal duties while also undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Princess of Wales revealed her diagnosis in an emotional video shot last month, following frenzied speculation about her welfare and extended absence from the public eye.

Kate’s condition also prompted Prince William to temporarily reduce his workload in order to care for his wife, leaving the monarchy represented by a significantly diminished team which included just Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.