King Charles III will return to public office next week after temporarily stepping away from the spotlight during his cancer treatment.
Buckingham Palace said the British monarch’s doctors were “so pleased with the progress made so far that the King is now able to resume a number of public duties.”
The king, who continues to be treated for an unknown form of the disease, will visit a cancer center with Queen Camilla on Tuesday to meet medical staff and patients.
The 75-year-old monarch has been receiving outpatient care since the beginning of February. Buckingham Palace said he did not have prostate cancer; He had previously undergone treatment for an enlarged prostate.
“His Majesty the King will shortly return to public duties following a period of treatment and recovery following his recent cancer diagnosis,” the palace said in a statement. “His Majesty’s medical team is very encouraged by the progress made to date and remains positive about the King’s continued recovery.”
Since King Charles succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, the royal family has experienced a series of health shocks. In March this year, Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced that she too had received a cancer diagnosis and was in the early stages of treatment.
The princess’s condition led to two senior members of the royal family having to retire from public office.
The king has continued to work through his treatment, holding private meetings as head of state, including regular audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Some of the meetings were not in person.
Buckingham Palace said the king would undertake “a number of external engagements” in the coming weeks, including inviting the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June.
The palace released a picture of the king and queen to mark the first anniversary of their coronation on May 6, 2023. It was taken on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary.
The king will not undertake a full summer program while his schedule is subject to the advice of doctors, a palace spokesman said. “Future engagements will be adjusted as necessary to minimize any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
The King and Queen’s visit to the cancer treatment center is part of the royal family’s efforts to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis of the disease.
“As the first anniversary of the Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world during the joys and challenges of the last year,” the palace said.