A few months ago, the British learned that King Charles III was suffering from cancer. After suspending his public activities for three months, doctors now say they are “sufficiently satisfied” to allow this gradual resumption, adapted to his state of health, this Tuesday.
His first appearance promises to be highly scrutinized. The 75-year-old king is going this Tuesday with his wife Camilla, 76, to a cancer center, where he will meet doctors and patients. However, he is not cured: his treatment continues, and there is no question of a “complete summer program”. His commitments will be “carefully calibrated” in “close consultation with his doctors”, said Buckingham Palace, announcing on Friday the resumption of a “certain number” of commitments.
Other commitments to plan
The King and Queen are also expected to receive in June on an unspecified date Emperor Naruhito of Japan and his wife Empress Masako, for a state visit at the invitation of the British government. Other possible engagements – Royal Ascot, 80th anniversary of D-Day, Trooping the Color in June, traditional garden parties – will be subject to the advice of his doctors, closer to their date. According to Buckingham Palace, these doctors are “very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain optimistic that the King’s recovery will continue.”
Everything you need to know about King Charles III
Can’t wait to start again
Nine months after his coronation in May 2023, the palace announced in early February that Charles III was suffering from cancer, discovered after a prostate operation in January. His nature and state of progress were never specified, but the announcement of his illness was in itself a small revolution, breaking the silence surrounding the king’s health until then. Charles III then suspended his public activities, but continued his tasks as constitutional monarch which include signing laws, meeting regularly with the Prime Minister and validating certain appointments.
The palace regularly released photos or very short videos of him receiving personalities, preparing a speech, or reading get well cards. The king, very active before his cancer, was apparently eager to resume his public activities. “I think he is very frustrated (…) at not being able to do everything he wants to be able to do,” his nephew Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne, said at the end of March on Sky News Australia, adding that Charles III “pushed” those around him, including his doctors, to do more.