King jokes about getting older on hospital visit

King jokes about getting older on hospital visit

During his visit to Birmingham, King Charles engaged in light-hearted banter with hospital patients about the challenges of aging. Upon meeting 85-year-old Jacqueline Page, who mentioned she was “wearing out,” the King humorously replied, “That’s the terrible thing I’m discovering. Bits don’t work so well when you get past 70.” The visit marked the King’s first engagement of the autumn, following a previous postponement due to an adverse reaction to his cancer treatment.

The King’s trip to Smethwick included the official opening of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. During his interactions with patients, he expressed regret for the delay in his visit, jokingly mentioning that he should have arrived a few months earlier. Conversing with individuals like Jacqueline Page and Matthew Shinda, who shared his experiences with prostate cancer, the King empathized with their struggles and emphasized the importance of regular check-ups for men.

Phillip Barnard, undergoing immunotherapy treatment for lung cancer, discussed his progress with the King during the visit. The hospital, which welcomed its first baby just 90 minutes after opening its maternity ward doors last October, also facilitated interactions between the King and patients, healthcare professionals, and volunteers. Prior to this, the King had visited the Oratory of St Philip Neri in Birmingham, where he learned about Cardinal John Henry Newman’s remarkable contributions.

Reflecting on his longstanding efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, the King expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore the oratory. He paid homage to Cardinal Newman’s legacy and closely examined personal belongings associated with the esteemed theologian and philosopher. The King’s deep interest in an original handwritten copy of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, inspired by a Newman poem, underscored his appreciation for cultural and artistic expressions

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