King Charles returns to his public duties by visiting a cancer treatment centre

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Britain's King Charles III arrives to visit the Macmillan Cancer Center at University College Hospital in London on Tuesday.


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King Charles IIIHe, who is being treated for an unspecified cancer, returned to public duties on Tuesday in his first official engagement since his diagnosis after his doctors were said to be “very encouraged” by his progress.

The 75-year-old king He revealed that he was fighting cancer in early February and continues his treatment as he resumes his public engagements.

The first new entry in his diary was a visit to a cancer center in London, where he was expected to meet patients and staff.

The King, who has been a patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for nearly three decades, was accompanied by his wife, the Queen. The couple smiled and waved to well-wishers who gathered nearby upon their arrival before being welcomed by hospital staff.

Camilla, 76, has been president of Maggie's, a cancer care and support charity, since 2008.

The king has largely stayed out of the public eye during his treatment so far, except Picnic on Easter Sunday when he entertained crowds with an impromptu tour after attending church with several family members.

Susan Plunkett – Reuters

The King and Queen meet the staff upon their arrival at the cancer treatment centre.

Tuesday's visit to the Cancer Center at University College Macmillan Hospital was to underscore the value of early diagnosis and focus attention on some of the innovative research being done there.

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The King's outing came when he was announced as the new patron of Cancer Research UK. While at the center, he was scheduled to meet with the organization's chief medical officer, Charlie Swanton, who led a project called TRACERx, which focuses on lung cancer.

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While Buckingham Palace announced on Friday that the British monarch had been given the green light to return to his public duties, it will be a cautious return.

She said future events would be adjusted as necessary to minimize any risks to his recovery.

The Palace did not specify how many engagements have been added to the King's diary or whether he will be able to attend his birthday parade in London or the 80th anniversary celebrations of D-Day in Normandy in June.

However, it has been confirmed that he will welcome the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit later that month.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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