King Charles formed an immediate connection with cancer patients during a visit to York on Tuesday, where he toured a newly redeveloped treatment facility ahead of its official opening.
The monarch received a warm welcome from patients and staff at York Hospital as he viewed the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre.
Among those he met was Lou Rhodes, 49, who has stage 4 secondary breast cancer and contributed to the centre's design as a patient representative.
Ms Rhodes, from Hopgrove in York, described the encounter as "amazing, an absolute honour."
King Charles formed an immediate connection with cancer patients during a visit to York on Tuesday, where he toured a newly redeveloped treatment facility ahead of its official opening.
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She said: "The King was just lovely, so personable, so friendly. I just seemed to connect with him straightaway."
"He's got cancer, I've got cancer, and straightaway he sort of looked in my eyes, so you've got that bond I suppose."
She added that she believes the King truly comprehends what patients experience because of his own diagnosis.
Ms Rhodes, whose father died from cancer, said he would have been immensely proud of her meeting with the monarch.
The monarch received a warm welcome from patients and staff at York Hospital as he viewed the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre.
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After she shared the news of her father's passing from the disease, the King responded: "There's such a lot of it about."
As a patient representative, Ms Rhodes played a significant role in shaping the new facility, contributing to decisions about its layout, furniture choices, colour schemes and artwork.
The centre has served as a vital support for many patients throughout their treatment, and those involved in its development had the opportunity to explain their contributions to the monarch during his tour.
King Charles, who serves as royal patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, also spent time in the centre's specially designed garden,
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The £2.4 million redevelopment will provide support to thousands of cancer patients across the region annually, as Macmillan health professionals and cancer nurse specialists explained to the King during his visit.
King Charles, who serves as royal patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, also spent time in the centre's specially designed garden, where he planted a Macmillan rose alongside Colm Gough, the Macmillan personalised cancer care lead.
As the monarch made his way through the hospital's main reception to depart, he was met with enthusiastic applause from patients and staff who had gathered to catch a glimpse of him.
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