King Charles has told cancer patients he was left “shocked” when he learned of his own diagnosis, as he returned to public-facing duties today.
Charles visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London accompanied by Queen Camilla.
While speaking to Lesley Woodbridge, 63 – a cancer patient who was receiving chemotherapy at the time of the King’s visit – he said: “It’s always a bit of a shock isn’t, when they tell you.”
He added: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”
When quizzed about his health by one patient, he replied: “I’m all right thank you very much, not too bad.”
The 75-year-old monarch was named the new patron of Cancer Research UK during the visit, which was aimed at raising awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis.
It comes four days after Buckingham Palace announced his medical team were “very encouraged” by the progress made so far in his treatment, and said he would be able to return to a select number of public-facing duties.
During his visit, the King met Cancer Research UK’s chief clinician, Professor Charlie Swanton, who has led a project called TRACERx tackling lung and other cancers.
He also chatted with patients receiving treatment, and was was seen holding hands with people receiving chemotherapy.
He has a been patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for more than 20 years.
Charles was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year after previously receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. He had spent three nights in hospital in London for a procedure relating to his prostate when the cancer was discovered.
The type of cancer he has been diagnosed with has not been disclosed and he has been receiving care as an outpatient since early February.
Aside from attending an Easter Sunday church service, he has until now stayed away from public events.
The Palace said the King was still undergoing treatment for cancer and it was too early to say how long it would continue.
Buckingham Palace’s spokesperson said on Friday: “His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that the King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.
“Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
When the monarch’s cancer diagnosis was first announced, the Palace said that any public-facing duties in his absence would be carried out by his Counsellors of State – members of the Royal Family who can stand in for the monarch at official engagements.
These consist of Camilla, and Charles’s children Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.
