“But he’s not healed yet” –

King Charles returned to public engagements today, for the first time since his cancer diagnosis announced in February. Accompanied by Queen Camilla, the sovereign, 75, visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre. His return to public duties, following weeks of rest while undergoing chemotherapy, was announced by Buckingham Palace on Friday.

King Charles, who has been appointed the new patron of Cancer Research UK, smiled and waved to the people waiting for him outside before entering the center together with Camilla. Then he met some cancer patients, spoke to the staff and said that the challenge in cancer treatment is that “people arrive early enough” at the diagnosis.

Last Friday Buckingham Palace announced that the king, undergoing chemotherapy, was “strongly keen” to receive the green light from doctors to return to some public duties. However, royal sources have stressed that, despite the “clearance”, the king has not yet recovered and will continue treatment. Ahead of today’s visit, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: Her Majesty’s treatment program will continue, but doctors are sufficiently satisfied with the progress made so far. The king is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Future commitments will be adapted where necessary, to minimize any risks to his Majesty’s continued recovery.”