King Charles to return to public duties
LONDON • King Charles III will resume his public duties next week following treatment for cancer, Buckingham Palace announced Friday.
Charles, 75, took a break from public appearances almost three months ago to focus on his treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.
The palace said Charles would make a public visit to a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday in the first of several appearances he will make in coming weeks. One of his first major engagements will be hosting a state visit by the emperor and empress of Japan in June.
The palace didn’t provide an update on the King’s health or treatment, though it says that the “medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.”
Charles continued his state duties, including reviewing government documents and meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after his diagnosis was disclosed on Feb. 5.
“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 palace said in a statement.
Charles’s return will relieve pressure on other members of the Royal Family after the King’s absence, coupled with that of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, also due to illness, highlighted the challenges faced by a slimmed-down monarchy.
Catherine, who has been out of the public eye since Christmas Day, revealed last month that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. Last week, her husband, Prince William, the heir to the throne, returned to public duties for the first time since Catherine shared her cancer diagnosis.
Prince Harry, the younger son of the King and fifth in line to the throne, confirmed two weeks ago that he is now a U.S. resident.
The paperwork was filed by Travalyst Ltd, a company at least 75 per cent owned by Harry and which was founded in 2020 to “to promote global awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism.”
The filing further separates Harry from his role as one of the king’s counsellors of state — members of the Royal Family who can be deputized to carry out the duties of the monarch if he is unwell or out of the country.