King Charles has brushed off medical advice to shake hands with royal fans after he was reportedly told to sit separately from the congregation at the Easter service.
The monarch attended the Easter Sunday service at St. George's Chapel in what was his first official public engagement since his cancer diagnosis.
According to reports, the King was expected to sit apart from the rest of the congregation during the service to shield himself.
But the King decided to meet the crowds that gathered for his appearance and show his thanks by shaking hands.
King Charles shook hands with well-wishers outside St. George's Chapel
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This is the first official public engagement that the King has attended since the monarch’s cancer was announced on February 5.
A palace source said that the King’s attendance is a “sign of things heading in the right direction.”
As is custom, the King sat in the Sovereign's Seat which is situated at the front of the altar, and his family sat in their usual seats in the stalls, according to the Daily Mail.
In St. George's Chapel, the main congregation sits in a separate section of the church.
The King was previously keeping back from large crowds under medical advice
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After he was diagnosed, Charles was advised by his doctors to minimize in-person contact including large public gatherings.
However, the King has been continuing to hold private meetings including his weekly audience with the Prime Minister and has kept up with his paperwork.
King Charles did not attend the Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral this week.
Instead, Queen Camilla made history as the first consort to hand over Royal Maundy gifts for the special ceremony.
Fans rushed to compliment the King for his surprise walkabout
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Royal fans have rushed to compliment the King for his decision to greet crowds after the Easter service.
Royal commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams posted on X: “Wonderful to see King Charles looking so well as he goes on a surprise walkabout after the Service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Easter Sunday.
“This is his first public engagement since his cancer diagnosis & bodes well for the future Royal Family.”
Before heading into the service, a member of the public shouted: “Happy Easter!”, to which the King answered: “And to you.”
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The King attended the Sunday Easter service in Windsor on Sunday
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The King is remaining “positive” amid his cancer treatment, according to palace sources.
A source has said that Charles is “progressing well” and that the “doctors are optimistic,” according to PEOPLE.
The King is hoping to continue attending public-facing events this summer including Trooping the Colour and a D-Day event on June 6.
Charles and his son, the Prince of Wales are planning for an overseas visit to show support for Britain’s war veterans at the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France.