Major boost for King Charles in his battle with cancer: Monarch is given permission to return to public-facing duties next week after ‘pleasing’ medics with his recovery – as palace announces two milestone events

The king has received permission from doctors to perform public duties again for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.

His Majesty is not yet free from the disease and is still undergoing treatment, but his medical team is reportedly “pleased with the progress made so far” and “remains positive” about his recovery.

To mark the good news, Buckingham Palace has announced two major milestone events, the first of many in the coming months, and has gratefully thanked Their Majesties for all the well wishes they have received.

After the cancer diagnosis was announced on February 6, the king postponed all public involvement but continued his duties as head of state behind the palace walls, conducting audiences and holding meetings of the Privy Council.

But on Tuesday, the King and Queen will visit a cancer treatment center – a particularly poignant engagement given his own battle with cancer and that of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales – where they will meet medical specialists and patients. The royal event aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and showcase innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.

There are also plans to organize an upcoming state visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan at the end of June at the request of the government.

Officials also released a beautiful new portrait of Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, looking happy and relaxed in Buckingham Palace Gardens. The photo was taken on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary.

In a statement this evening, Buckingham Palace said: ‘His Majesty The King will soon return to public duties following a period of treatment and recovery following his recent cancer diagnosis.

‘To help mark this milestone, the King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment center next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients. This visit will be the first of a number of external engagements that His Majesty will undertake in the coming weeks.

‘In addition, the King and Queen will receive Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June, at the request of the British Government.

“As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes received from around the world during the joys and challenges of the past year.”

The Mail understands the King is also hopeful he will undertake investitures – presenting awards to worthy members of the public – in the coming weeks and months.

Again, it is likely that ceremonies will be adjusted to take into account his condition and ongoing treatment – ​​perhaps with a smaller number of recipients.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on whether members of the wider royal family, including Harry and Meghan, had advance knowledge of his news.

Charles has been receiving outpatient care since early February and the announcement will be a boost for the monarchy as it comes to terms with King and the Princess of Wales as cancer patients.

The king’s health crisis first became public in January, when it was announced he would go to hospital for surgery on an enlarged prostate.

He stayed at the London Clinic for three days.

At the time the condition was thought not to be cancer, but in February it was revealed that subsequent tests had discovered the presence of the disease elsewhere in his body.

Buckingham Palace did not reveal the nature of the cancer or details of the treatment he immediately began receiving.

Officials have stressed that His Majesty’s cancer treatment is still ongoing, saying: ‘His Majesty’s treatment program will continue, but doctors are sufficiently satisfied with the progress made to date that the King will now make a number of public can resume tasks. Upcoming orders will be adjusted as necessary to minimize risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”

They cannot say at this stage how long this will take. A spokesperson said: ‘It is too early to comment, but His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made to date and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.’

They added that ‘all public engagements will be announced in the usual way closer to that time and will remain subject to the advice of doctors’ and stressed that it would not be a ‘full summer programme’.

Officials are at pains to point out that the king has worked throughout his diagnosis and treatment, handling state papers, meeting with the prime minister and other dignitaries, and even making appointments with small numbers of people behind the palace walls.

The first sign that the future was looking brighter was when he took a short public walk outside the church in Windsor on Easter Sunday.

But so far he has not been able to engage large numbers of people indoors or even outdoors.

Responding to news of the King’s health update on X, formerly Twitter, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: ‘Brilliant news to end the week!’. Secretary of State James Cleverly also said the announcement was “fantastic news.”

The Daily Mail has exclusively revealed that plans are already in place to attend his official birthday celebrations, Trooping the Colour, Royal Ascot and the summer garden parties.

It is still unclear whether he will be able to travel to Normandy in June for the big D-Day anniversary commemorations or to Australia, New Zealand and Samoa as planned in October, but it is clear that the king would like to if his health permits. .

A spokesperson added today: ‘Plans continue to be made for ways for Their Majesties to attend such summer and autumn activities, although nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed at this stage. All future plans remain dependent on the advice of doctors at this time, with appropriate adjustments being made where necessary to minimize risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”

His duties include work both indoors and outdoors, designed to minimize any health risks to him – such as catching a cold or other bugs – while putting his health at risk.

It is understood that each engagement will be carefully assessed and managed to address any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.

Asked how he was feeling, a spokesperson said: ‘His Majesty is very encouraged to resume a number of public duties and is very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise.’

It is understood the king is “looking forward” to hosting the Japanese state visit in June, but planning remains fluid as doctors continue to monitor the king’s health.

In a separate statement, the palace said: ‘Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan have accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King to pay a state visit to the United Kingdom in late June 2024.’

The visit was previously scheduled for spring 20202, but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The King has visited Japan five times as Prince of Wales, including the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito in 2019 and Emperor Akihito in 1990, and visited three times, in 2008, 1986 and 1970.

The Emperor and Empress of Japan attended the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. This was Their Majesties’ first foreign trip following the Emperor’s accession to the throne.

The Emperor of Japan also attended the reception hosted by the King for heads of state and official overseas guests at Buckingham Palace on September 18, 2022, the evening before the state funeral.

On Tuesday, the King, patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, will visit an undisclosed cancer treatment center with Queen Camilla to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, following his own experiences, and to highlight innovative research supported by Cancer Research UK.