King Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in February, is set to carry out his first major public engagement in support of a hospital and specialist cancer centre. The visit will mark a gradual return to public engagements for the monarch, who has largely stayed away from public events and crowds aside from attending an Easter Sunday church service. Buckingham Palace issued a statement last week with a message of cautious optimism, stating that the King’s doctors were “very encouraged by the progress made so far” in his cancer treatment.
The hospital visit will be especially significant for the King, who will have the opportunity to pay tribute to staff at the cancer centre and see some of the innovative technology and research being undertaken there. His personal experience with cancer has brought additional weight to the visit, and the King’s desire to raise awareness of early cancer diagnosis has prompted him to make his own health issues public in the hope of encouraging others to seek health checks.
Despite his recent diagnosis, the King has continued to carry out his constitutional role, including private meetings with the prime minister. Although it remains uncertain whether he will be able to attend key royal events such as Trooping the Colour, garden parties, and D-Day commemorations in the weeks ahead, medical advice will be sought closer to the time to determine what level of involvement the King will be able to have.
The Emperor and Empress of Japan are due to visit the UK in late June, and the King, who serves as head of state, is expected to host the state visit. While his summer schedule may need to be reduced or adapted while he undergoes treatment, the mood about his health is gradually becoming more positive, with the King beginning to make his formal return to public life
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