King Charles to visit cancer centre as he resumes public duties today

Britain’s King Charles III, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, on Tuesday resumed his public-facing duties with a planned visit to a cancer centre in London where he held hands with a number of patients.

The 75-year-old monarch, still undergoing treatment which Buckingham Palace earlier said has been rated as “very encouraging” by his medical team, was also named Cancer Research UK’s new patron as he joined wife Queen Camilla at the Macmillan Cancer Centre at University College Hospital. Smiling and cheerful Charles and Camilla spoke to staff and patients at the centre where the King was overheard saying it was important to get enough people diagnosed early.

“This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead,” Buckingham Palace has said. “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,” the palace said.