Prince Andrew goes for a ride a day after it was announced King Charles will be returning to public duties as monarch continues cancer treatment

Prince Andrew was spotted deep in thought during a horseback ride around the Windsor Castle estate, just a day after his older brother, King Charles III, announced he would return to public duties for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer.

The Duke of York, 64, looked contemplative next to his female riding companion as he toured the Berkshire estate during his usual Saturday morning drive.

Andrew was dressed for the excursion in a khaki jacket, gray sweater, black pants and a black and white striped helmet.

His riding companion smiled after noticing the presence of a photographer as they enjoyed a slow drive through the green grounds before returning to Windsor Castle.

Andrew was previously spotted driving his dark-coloured Range Rover to the castle, where the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show will be held next week.

The Duke of York, 64, looked contemplative next to his female riding companion as he drove around the Berkshire estate during his usual Saturday morning ride.

Several members of the royal family are expected to attend the event, which runs from May 1 to 5.

Prince Andrew’s latest appearance comes just a day after Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing that King Charles III will return to public duties next week.

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.

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.

On Tuesday, the King, who is a patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, will appear alongside the Queen for the first time in weeks during a visit to an undisclosed cancer treatment centre.

It is a particularly poignant engagement given his own battle with cancer and that of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, and they are expected to 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.

Andrew was previously spotted driving his dark-coloured Range Rover to the castle, where the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show will be held next week.

The king’s brother was spotted just days before the start of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, where several members of the royal family are expected to appear

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.

In a statement on Friday 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.”

King Charles III looked handsome in a newly released photo of himself with Queen Camilla, taken by portrait photographer Millie Pilkington, at Buckingham Palace Gardens on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary. The image was released to mark the first anniversary of their coronation

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.

Buckingham Palace has not revealed the nature of the monarch’s cancer or details of the treatment he has undergone.

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 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.” Pictured: King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave the London Clinic in January after he was treated for an enlarged prostate. He would later reveal that he was diagnosed with cancer after the procedure