Britain's King Charles is expected to resume public duties next week for the first time since his cancer diagnosis following treatment and a period of recuperation, according to a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Friday.
The 75-year-old monarch was found to have an unidentified type of cancer in tests conducted following a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate, the palace announced in February. Charles continued to conduct official state business, but he had to postpone public appearances in order to start treatment and recuperate due to his diagnosis.
A representative for Buckingham Palace stated, "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."
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"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."
The spokesperson stated that his doctors were "very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the king’s continued recovery", even though it was too soon to say how long his cancer treatment would last.
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In keeping with the usual position on medical privacy, no additional information about his condition or his treatment was provided.
Charles's sole public appearance occurred last month when he welcomed well-wishers in an unplanned walkabout following an Easter church service in Windsor, raising hopes that his health was improving even though he was photographed and videotaped performing some official duties in private.
"Brilliant news to end the week!" was how British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his reaction on social media site X upon learning of the king's return to public duties.
Next Tuesday, Charles and Queen Camilla will pay a visit to a cancer treatment facility in London as a way of commemorating their return, the palace announced. Additionally, it was confirmed that late June would see a state visit by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and his spouse, Empress Masako.
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To reduce the risks to his recuperation, Charles will not be engaging in his customary summer activities, and his plans will be developed in collaboration with his medical team, according to the palace.
The news that his daughter-in-law Kate, the wife of his son and heir Prince William, was receiving prophylactic chemotherapy after tests following significant abdominal surgery indicated cancer had been detected coincided with the king's absence.
The Princess of Wales, who is also frequently referred to as Kate Middleton, will only resume her public engagements once her medical team certifies that she is healthy enough to do so.
Less than 18 months had passed since Charles took over the throne from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, and less than a year had passed since his coronation—Britain's largest ceremonial event in seven decades—when he suffered a health scare.
"Their majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from all over the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year," Buckingham Palace stated as the first anniversary of the coronation drew near.
