King to show cancer ‘doesn’t have to be scary’
THE King will meet families of cancer patients in his first public engagement since his diagnosis as he strives to show it is possible to live a full life while being treated for the disease.
His Majesty will be joined by the Queen as they visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday to raise awareness, highlight research, and offer thanks for the work of medics in the field.
In particular, they have asked to meet patients and their families.
A palace source said the King and Queen hoped to show how cancer “doesn’t just affect those who have cancer, it affects all those around them”.
They added: “Though every patient is different, one of the things they hope to demonstrate and witness is how people can go on living a full life during treatment, not just after it.
“Cancer can be a scary word but it doesn’t have to be a scary experience.”
On Friday, Buckingham Palace announced that the King would be making a return to public engagements, three months after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Emphasising that he was still undergoing treatment and that engagements may be adapted to protect his health, a spokesman said: “His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.
“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 cancer treatment centre to be visited will not be named in advance for security reasons. The visit is the King and Queen’s first joint official engagement since Nov 14.
The Queen has been by the King’s side throughout his treatment since his initial three-night hospital stay for what was originally thought to be an enlarged prostate.
Later this week, she will continue her programme of solo engagements. She has been widely praised for stepping up to lead the Royal family this year, as the Prince and Princess of Wales have also had to take time out of the public eye.
The Palace has not yet confirmed any further appearances for the King, who has been performing his State duties behind closed doors since his cancer diagnosis was announced on Feb 6.
There are now hopes that he will be able to attend the key moments of Trooping the Colour, the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Royal Ascot in some form.
One of the King’s first public appearances of the summer season is expected to be at a Buckingham Palace garden party. Sources say the King is determined to attend at least one if possible.
Aides are making contingency plans to establish the safest way for him to join the 8,000 guests, with options ranging from him appearing at a distance for the national anthem, to a full walk to greet the crowds.
The King has been praised for his candid approach to sharing his diagnosis. MacMillan Cancer Research, of which he is the patron, told The Telegraph his “openness about his diagnosis and experience” will have a “positive impact on many lives”.
Claire Taylor, the chief nursing officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It’s good news to see the King recovering and returning to royal duties. Cancer affects everyone differently and some people continue to be active during their treatment, others stop working during treatment until they feel ready to go back.
“The King’s openness about his diagnosis and experience is helping to encourage others who have concerns, to visit their GP and seek support.”
Dame Laura Lee, the chief executive of Maggie’s, a cancer care charity, said: “His openness about his diagnosis has encouraged so many important conversations about cancer and I would like to thank him from my heart for using his own difficult experience to help others.”
A palace spokesman said: “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.”
His Majesty will meet the families of patients to show you can ‘live a full life’ in wake of diagnosis
‘Their Majesties are deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes’