Cancer takes many forms and can affect any human on the planet - even if you are the monarch.
The King and Queen’s visit to a London cancer centre today symbolised that fact - even sympathising with a patient receiving chemotherapy: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”
His Majesty was keen to be open about his cancer diagnosis on his first public engagement since starting treatment and highlighted the benefits of an early diagnosis.
I understand he was also keen to encourage other patients to be open about their own diagnoses, and today he had the opportunity to meet some of them.
The King and Queen’s visited to a London cancer centre today.
PA
When King Charles and Queen Camilla stepped out of the royal Bentley this morning, outside University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, His Majesty appeared genuinely touched by the warm wishes and support from members of the public who had gathered.
His Majesty even engaged with familiar journalists with a broad smile and a wave, before meeting hospital bosses.
Peter Philips, The King’s nephew, recently spoke about how “frustrated” Charles had been about not being able to carry out public duties.
Although he has not been given the all-clear, Buckingham Palace says doctors have been “satisfied” with the positive progress of his cancer treatment and have given him the green light to carry out more public engagements, subject to ongoing medical advice and treatment.
His Majesty even engaged with familiar journalists with a broad smile and a wave, before meeting hospital bosses.
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Cancer and treatments can weaken the immune system, which is why medics had previously advised the King to avoid large crowds where the risk of infection is greater.
“I’m well”, His Majesty reassured patients inside the hospital as he learned about some of the innovative treatments being tested.
It is understood that more public engagements are being planned in outdoor locations, as the weather improves in the summer months, to minimise the risk of infection.
In a poignant nod to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace announced His Majesty has become the new Royal Patron of Cancer Research UK; Her Late Majesty previously became the charity’s Royal Patron in 1953.
Cancer Research UK has invested heavily in new lung cancer research, trying to find out why sometimes treatment stops working, and His Majesty had the opportunity to highlight that.
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It is understood the King was keen to emphasise that it is possible to work with cancer.
PA
It is understood the King was keen to emphasise that it is possible to work with cancer, Charles has been dubbed a ‘workaholic’ in the past but recognises that everybody is on their own individual journey and has different medical advice to him.
The Princess of Wales, who is undergoing preventative chemotherapy, is staying out of the public eye for now and His Majesty’s spokesperson previously said he was “so proud” of his “beloved daughter-in-law”.
This is a marathon, not a sprint, but today’s engagement was a positive first step in His Majesty’s gentle return to public duties.
It is understood plans are being drawn up for more public engagements this summer and autumn, but all of them are subject to doctor’s advice.
With Queen Camilla by his side supporting him, there is much cause for optimism.