King can be 'prone to self-pity' claims royal commentator - 'Going back to work is the best thing for him'

Speaking to GB News royal expert Jennie Bond said: "He lingered on the steps as they went in longer than usual, and there was a much bigger press party than normal, but there would be at an occasion like that.

"And he knew this was a significant, important occasion. I think that getting back to work is the best thing he can do.

"It is the best message you can send out to fellow sufferers.

"There was a senior oncologist I was listening to just last week saying that just to sit around and mull over it and feel sorry for yourself.

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"The King is someone who can be prone to a little touch of self-pity and melancholy.

"To avoid that and to get back to normal, get back to work, to focus on that is actually the best thing you can do for yourself."

In photographs, the King looked overjoyed to be back performing duties for the first time since his cancer diagnosis, smiling and holding the hands of patients on the chemotherapy ward.

The King, who has become Cancer Research UK's new patron, was shown some of the innovative medical technology at the Macmillan Cancer Centre at University College London Hospital.

He sat down to chat with those receiving chemotherapy and told them he was "well", "alright" and "not too bad".

King Charles also said it was a "bit of a shock" to receive a cancer diagnosis.

They went on several impromptu walkabouts, meeting staff who stopped to catch a glimpse of the couple.

The King sympathised with another patient as she was treated, telling Lesley Woodbridge, 63: "I've got to have my treatment this afternoon as well."

Asha Millen, 60, who is receiving chemotherapy for bone marrow cancer, also chatted to the King as he met patients in the chemotherapy day unit.

She asked Charles about his own health, saying: "I said 'How are you?' and he said 'I'm well'."