Charles’ docs are ‘positive’ about King’s cancer recovery as he heads back to work 11 weeks after diagnosis
KING Charles' doctors are "positive" about his cancer recovery as he heads back to work 11 weeks after his diagnosis.
The monarch is well enough to return to front-line public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Palace officials say the King, 75, is still undergoing cancer treatment but his medical team are "very encouraged by the progress" and "remain positive" about his recovery.
Charles will be joined by Camilla, 76, as he chooses to make his public comeback by visiting a cancer hospital to speak to staff and patients, together on Tuesday.
It also comes as:
- King Charles released a cancer update saying he's feeling "greatly encouraged" by treatment
- Charles' upcoming engagements will include meeting Emporor of Japan as his schedule is packed
- Body language expert Judi James says image of Charles with Queen Camilla reveal how she's been his strength
- Put your questions to The Sun's royal editor about King Charles as he releases major update
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The palace has also confirmed he will host a State Visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan this summer.
Charles is well enough to take part in outdoor engagements which means Royal Ascot, Buckingham Palace garden parties and even Trooping the Colour joining the Royal Family on the palace balcony, are possibly on the cards.
It confirms The Sun's exclusive story when we revealed the King had told aides he was "raring to go" and ordered staff to "supercharge" his diary for the summer.
A palace source 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."
A new photo of the King and Queen taken on April 10 a day after their 19th wedding anniversary has been released to mark the good news - but also to mark one year since the Coronation.
Announcing the comeback to front line duties the King and Queen are said to be “deeply grateful” for the “kindnesses and good wishes” sent from around the world “throughout the joys and challenges of the past year”.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.
"To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients.
"This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.
"In addition, The King and Queen will host Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan for a State Visit in June, at the request of HM Government.
"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 throughout the joys and challenges of the past year."
The King revealed in January he needed corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate.
On February 5 the King revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had to step back from front-line duties.
'POSITIVE STEP'
Palace sources hailed a "positive step" when he was able to greet well-wishers after Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle, last month.
The palace has only so far confirmed the King's cancer hospital engagement last week and Japan State Visit.
The palace has also confirmed The Sun's story last month that planning is underway for the King to travel abroad which includes D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in June.
The palace source added: "Planning continues for ways in which Their Majesties may attend such summer and autumn engagements, though nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed at this stage.
"All future plans remain subject to doctors' advice nearer the time, with appropriate adaptations made where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery."
It is understood the King's programme will be "carefully calibrated" with his medical team as his recovery continues.
The source said: ";His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise."
King Charles health battle and future plans
January 17: Buckingham Palace announces the King has been diagnosed with enlarged prostate
January 26: The Sun exclusively photograph the King arriving at The London Clinic for his 'corrective procedure'
January 29: Seen waving and smiling as he left hospital after an extra night
February 5: Palace reveal while in hospital for his prostate operation doctors discovered the the King has a form of cancer
February 10: King issues 'heartfelt thanks' in a written statement
February 21: King tells Rishi Sunak he had been "reduced to tears"; by get well cards
March 21: Princess of Wales and King have lunch at Windsor Castle
March 22: Kate announces via video statement that she is being treated for cancer
March 31: King attends Easter Sunday service and tales part in 'walkabout' with members of the public and aides say 'it was a significant step' as KIng had 'responded to treatment very encouragingly'
April 4: The Sun exclusively reveals King has ordered aides to 'supercharge' his diary for the summer and is 'raring to go'
April 10: King and Queen embark on break at Birkhall, in Scottish Highlands
April 26: Buckingham Palace announce King will return to public-facing front-line duties
Future:
April 30: King will mark his public comeback by visiting a cancer hospital with the Queen
May 8 and 21: Buckingham Palace Garden Parties
May 21 - 25: Chelsea Flower Show
June 6: 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France and UK
June 15: Trooping the Colour birthday parade in London
June 17: Garter Day parade at Windsor Castle
June 18 - 22: Royal Ascot
Late June: State Visit by Emperor and Empress of Japan
July 3: Holyrood Week in Scotland
October: Two or three week tour of Australia
His comeback comes just days before the nation will celebrate the first full year since the King's Coronation last May.
The King, as patron of MacMillan Cancer Support, will visit a cancer hospital to meet patients and staff at a cancer hospital.
It is understood the King wants the visit to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research supported by Cancer Research UK, which is taking place at the hospital.
The King revealed on January 17 that he had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and was set to go to hospital."
At the time, the palace said his condition was "benign" and he would undergo "a corrective procedure".
Buckingham Palace will not reveal the specific type of cancer or treatment the King has been undergoing.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
It comes amid a growing closeness between King and Kate who The Sun revealed shared a lunch at Windsor Castle last month after their cancer shocks.
Meanwhile, Charles was recently spotted jetting to Scotland for a quick break before he returns to public life after more cancer treatment.
Everything we know about King Charles' return to work
Q: Does today's announcement mean King Charles' cancer treatment has been successful or finished?
A: The King's treatment programme is ongoing but doctors are "sufficiently pleased" with the progress so far and Charles is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Further royal engagements will be adapted where necessary to cut down on any recovery risks.
Q: How much longer will King Charles receive treatment?
A: While it is too early to say, the King's medical team are "very encouraged" by progress made so far and remain "positive" about his recovery.
Q: How many engagements will King Charles undertake in the weeks and months ahead.
A: They will be announced nearer the time in the usual manner and will remain under doctor's advice. It will not be a full summer programme. His Majesty will continue with all official State business and selected Audiences.
Q: Is there a risk King Charles may be taking on too much with these external duties?
A: The King's schedule will be carefully designed to meet his recovery needs and he will be in close consultation with his medical team.
Q: Will King Charles attend the Birthday Parade, D-Day Commemorations, Garden Parties, Royal Ascot, or an Autumn overseas Tour?
A: Planning continues for ways in which the King and Queen can attend these summer and autumn engagements. All future plans remain under doctor's advice.
Q: How is King Charles feeling?
A: The Palace said: "His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued car and expertise."