Charles reveals his ‘shock’ over diagnosis as he holds hands with cancer patients hours before undergoing own treatment

KING Charles revealed the "shock" he felt over his cancer diagnosis, as he officially returned to public duties today alongside Queen Camilla.

The monarch, 75, swapped stories and held hands with patients as he visited a cancer treatment centre with the Queen, 76.

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The King, as patron of MacMillan Cancer Support, is making the trip today to highlight the importance of early diagnosis.

It marks his first public engagement since revealing his own diagnosis in February.

The Royal couple also aim to raise awareness of the innovative and tireless research supported by Cancer Research UK.

Further royal engagements will be adapted where necessary to cut down on any recovery risks

A palace official

Charles arrived to the centre to huge cheers from hoards of fans and well-wishers.

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As he entered he was met with staff of the hospital including Cancer Research UK’s Chief Clinician, Charlie Swanton.

The King then spent time meeting patients - and held hands with several well-wishers.

When asked about his health battle and recovery, His Majesty said it was a "bit of a shock" to be given his cancer diagnosis.

"Not too bad. It's always a bit of a shock, isn't it, when they tell you?" He said.

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When asked about his own cancer treatment he said: "I'm alright, thank you."

The King also sympathised with one cancer patient as she received her chemotherapy with many others in a day unit, telling Lesley Woodbridge, 63: "I've got to have my treatment this afternoon as well."

As the King and Queen left the hospital they were met outside by a young girl who presented them with flowers in a touching gesture.

In return, Charles gave the young girl a gift bag with the royal crests before he smelt the flowers and tapped her on the shoulder.

It comes after the King was spotted with a beaming Queen Camilla on Sunday, for the first time since the announcement he would return to work.

The Royal couple smiled side by side as they arrived to attend Sunday Service at Crathie Church in Aberdeen.

It follows a statement from Buckingham Palace in which a spokesperson confirmed last week: "This visit [on Tuesday] will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead."

They added: "The King's medical team are "very encouraged" by progress made so far and remain "positive" about his recovery."

Meanwhile, Prince William is today visiting an Earthshot Prize finalist firm which makes low-carbon construction materials in Seaham, County Durham.

The Prince, who is the Earthshot founder and president, will first visit LCM’s Research and Development lab where he will be shown how the company creates and tests low carbon concrete.

The King has always kept the door open to Harry, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he would invariably get a warm reception

Richard FitzwilliamsRoyal commentator

Prince William will then visit James’ Place Newcastle to hear about the free, life-saving treatment and support that the charity’s newest centre is stopping male suicide.

This follows a trip he made last week to a school in the West Midlands to highlight the importance of reducing the stigma around mental health in males.

It is understood the Princess of Wales will not be attending as she undergoes her own preventative cancer treatment.

The Royal couple yesterday shared an adorable unseen photo to mark their 13th wedding anniversary - similar to that released by Charles and Camilla to celebrate their 19th.

The royal-mum-of-three courageously shared her diagnosis in an emotional video message last month.

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Meanwhile, King Charles visit today comes days after Buckingham Palace announced the monarch would be returning to public-facing duties.

Since His Majesty bravely revealed his diagnosis in February, he has taken a step back, while still continuing with official State business and selected Audiences.

On Friday last week, a palace spokesperson said: "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."

The royal announcement also laid out plans for the King and Queen to welcome The Emperor and Empress of Japan in June.

It is understood the State Visit will last about a week and feature a host of events including a lavish banquet hosted by Charles.

The engagement was originally scheduled in 2020 to mark Emperor Naruhito's ascension to the throne in 2019, but Covid-19 saw plans squashed.

In addition, the palace also revealed in the King's summer schedule planning is underway.

With the monarch well enough to carry out public-facing duties, highly anticipated events including Royal Ascot, the Buckingham Palace Garden Party and Trooping the Colour could be possible.

A palace official confirmed: "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" and "appropriate adaptations" will be made as the King's recovery continues.

The Sun previously reported His Majesty could be driven in a carriage to Trooping the Colour this year on June 15 rather than riding a horse as usual.

The joyous announcement follows The Sun's exclusive story in which we revealed the King had told aides he was "raring to go".

He is understood to have ordered staff to "supercharge" his diary for the summer.

It means travelling abroad in October for a two or three week tour in Australia could also be on the cards.

Amid the King's return to work, he and the Queen are said to be “deeply grateful” for the “kindnesses and good wishes” sent “throughout the joys and challenges of the past year”.

FAMILY REUNION

News of the King's potentially packed summer schedule came just days before Prince Harry announced his return to the UK.

The duke could come face-to-face with his family when he crosses the pond for his Invictus Games 10th Anniversary celebration on May 8.

He will be attending the Thanksgiving Service at St Paul's Cathedral to celebrate a decade highlighting the value sport can have in peoples' lives.

A royal expert claimed King Charles has "always left the door open for Harry", and reconciliation could be on the cards.

Esteemed royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams believed the duke would "undoubtedly" want to visit his father on the trip.

However, it would be a "much longer process" with the Prince and Princess of Wales.

He also branded Meghan Marke "toxic" and believed she would most likely avoid the Invictus event as not to "overshadow it".

Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun Online: "I never thought that Meghan would come over because of the hostility towards her here, but one has to emphasize that it's obvious from the opinion polls.

The Sussexes aren't trusted by the Royal Family

Richard Fitzwilliams

"And of course, you'd get a press that was far from flattering, but that is linked to the Sussexes behaviour over the last four years.

"It may not be definite that she isn't coming, but it's most unlikely.

"Meghan's reception would overshadow the message of the service, and you wouldn't want that."

Speaking of the possibility the duke and King Charles could come face to face, the royal expert said: "So far as Harry is concerned, yes, undoubtedly I would have thought he would want to see his father."

"The King has always kept the door open to Harry, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he would invariably get a warm reception," continued Mr Fitzwilliams.

"It will take its time. But clearly the situation has changed in recent weeks beyond all expectations.

"I don't think it would be too difficult, it depends how you define reconcile."

But, repairing the once "very, very close" bond with Wills may prove more difficult.

And, a visit with his estranged brother and Kate may not be on the cards on Harry's trip.

The royal expert said: "We don't know, but Catherine is receiving preventative treatment for cancer and there's no doubt it's a very very difficult time for her, and it's most unlikely that she would want visitors who might be in some form controversial, whatever the intention.

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"William has a very deep rift with him and I don't see it instantly being resolved.

"The Sussexes aren't trusted by the Royal Family."

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