Key questions and answers on the path to full recovery

ROYAL aides have urged caution, noting that the monarch’s treatment continues and that visits will be adapted to take his illness into account.

Has his treatment finished?

The King is responding well to treatment, but is not yet cured. A Buckingham Palace spokesman 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.”

How long will the King’s treatment last?

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “It is too early to say, but His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.”

Will the King return to a normal programme of events over the coming months?

Buckingham Palace has been careful not to make any promises, mindful that there could be good days and bad days for the King.

He is not expected to resume a full programme but will do as much as he can. Aides are planning for at least one Buckingham Palace garden party appearance and a “significant” amount of attendance at Ascot.

A palace spokesman said: “Any public-facing engagements will be announced nearer the time in the usual way and will remain subject to doctors’ advice, but it will not be a full summer programme.

“His Majesty will of course continue with all official state business and selected audiences, as he has done throughout his period of treatment.”

Will the King undertake public engagements indoors?

Yes, the King is hoping to resume a schedule akin to his normal diary, albeit with caveats to allow for his health.

Each engagement will be reviewed and managed carefully, with factors such as the potential for downtime, the number of people he would be expected to meet and what kind of accommodation is available, all taken into account.

Royal sources stressed that the focus was on the potential risks rather than what the King was capable of.

Is there a concern that the King is taking on too much, too quickly?

Every aspect of the King’s programme will be reviewed by his doctors, with nothing left to chance. A palace spokesman said: “The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in consultation with his medical team.”

When is the Japanese state visit and what will it entail?

The visit will take place at the end of June although the specific dates are not being released.