This article has been updated since its original publication date to include new info
King Charles made his first public appearance since revealing his cancer diagnosis on Sunday, February 11th. He and wife Queen Camilla, 76, were spotted on their way to a church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. The monarch was dressed in a three-quarter-length khaki-colored coat, while the Queen Consort was dressed in a white coat with an oversized black hat. He looked upbeat as he was walking with a closed umbrella, and gave photographers a smile and a wave as he headed inside the church.
Buckingham Palace announced that the King was officially diagnosed with cancer on February 5th. Although the type of cancer remains undisclosed, the statement confirmed it is not prostate cancer. It was detected during the 75-year-old monarch’s recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. According to the Palace, King Charles will be undergoing “regular treatments,” which will require him to postpone his public duties.
King Charles Thanks The Public For Their Support
King Charles' public outing comes just one day after he thanked the public for their "kind thoughts" and messages of support. "I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days," King Charles said in a statement that was released by the Palace on Saturday, February 10th.
"As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement," he continued, before going on to say that it was "equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world."
"My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience," he added.
Buckingham Palace Says King Charles Is Maintaining A 'Positive' State Of Mind
As noted in the Palace's statement, King Charles is currently maintaining a "positive" state of mind regarding his treatment, and he "looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible." The stage of cancer or a prognosis is being withheld, and no additional details are being divulged at this time.
King Charles, has, however, been in contact with both of his sons Prince William and Prince Harry regarding his diagnosis. As BBC reports, the Prince of Wales, 41, has been maintaining regular communication with his father.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex, 39, currently residing in the United States, flew to London on Tuesday, February 6th after hearing the news of his father's health. Harry met briefly with the King – for less than one hour, according to reports! – at Clarence House on Tuesday afternoon, before King Charles left with Camilla.
While his public events may come to a halt, Charles will persist in fulfilling his constitutional duties as head of state, such as tending to paperwork and holding private meetings.
Since news of King Charles' diagnosis broke, many supporters on X (formerly Twitter) continue to share well wishes for the monarch and share their concerns regarding his health. "Doesn't sound very good, I'm afraid," one tweeted after the news emerged on social media as another added: "Wishing him a speedy recovery."
A statement from Buckingham Palace: https://t.co/zmYuaWBKw6
Samir Hussein pic.twitter.com/xypBLHHQJb
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 5, 2024
Someone else chimed in, commenting: "I wish King Charles well. Those of us going through the cancer journey know the stress and concern it causes to families. The fact he has made it public is a very positive move. If you are worried about yourself, get checked."
Unless medical professionals recommend otherwise, the King will continue to have weekly face-to-face meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. As pointed out by the BBC, if the head of state is unable to fulfill their official duties, there is a constitutional provision that allows for the appointment of "counsellors of state" to act as substitutes for the monarch.
