King Charles III has made his big return to public-facing royal duties!
On Tuesday, the 75-year-old monarch, who is battling an undisclosed form of cancer, stepped out with Queen Camilla to visit the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre. That’s a well-known cancer hospital in London — though not one associated with the King’s own treatment. This marks his first time heading out on a royal engagement since he announced his diagnosis in February.
His Majesty was seen getting out of a maroon Bentley upon arrival, and he appeared to be doing great! After waving to the many onlookers in the area, he and his wife went inside where they were greeted with cheers from hospital staff gathered in the main lobby, according to People.
Related: Why Charles Will Likely SNUB Harry On London Visit Next Week!
The couple then spent about an hour at the facility meeting with patients and staff to learn about the support the hospital offers and emphasize the importance of early cancer detection, which has been Charles’ main mission ever since getting candid about his own diagnosis. And while royal aides hope this appearance in public shows that people can still work (or eventually return to work) with cancer, they stressed to the outlet that everyone’s cancer journey and treatment plan is different. They’re probably, at least in part, trying to protect Princess Catherine who is facing her own cancer battle and is yet to return to public duties!
As for how Prince William and Prince Harry‘s father was doing during the visit? David Probert, the chief executive of University College Hospital London, told the outlet that the King was “full of great energy.” He went on:
“He engaged positively and, as always, was incredibly enthusiastic with the staff.”
And Probert added:
“It was a wonderful atmosphere. The energy was high. Their Majesties were full of enthusiasm and engaging with the patients and most importantly for our staff. It was very uplifting.”
Regarding the clapping and cheering, Probert also gave more insight:
“We didn’t rehearse our staff to clap and cheer. Everybody was happy and keen to meet the King and Queen — you could just tell by the smiles and the enthusiastic comments that they were talking to someone who’s himself been through a difficult time.”
David, who has met Charles before, added that he was “incredibly knowledgeable, and every time I speak to him I learn something new about cancer.” Charles, who has just become the new Patron of Cancer Research U.K., was also super engaged when meeting with clinical scientists about the “latest innovations.” He also met with the aforementioned charity’s Chief Clinician, Professor Charlie Swanton, who has been doing a ton of research on lung cancer.
The royals also had a SUPER sweet moment with two young patients on their way out. Charles and Camilla were given flowers by Della Thomas, 6, and Ellis Edwards, 11, as they exited the building and they returned the favor by gifting Ellis some books and giving Della a bag of goodies, including a toy version of Camilla’s dog Beth and a large chocolate coin. Such a special and emotional interaction for them all, we bet.
Get an inside look at the milestone royal outing (below):
While Charles is not out of the woods yet, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace announced last week that he is “greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise.” His doctors are also “very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.”
It is certainly encouraging to see him out and about — especially after those reports about him being “very unwell”! We hope things continue to remain so positive from here on out! Thoughts? Let us know (below)!
[Image via MEGA/WENN]