King Charles III offered a brief update on his health during his return to public duty after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
Carlos, 75, and Queen Camilla visited a cancer treatment center on Tuesday, April 30, and interacted with several patients. Discussing his own diagnosis, the royal said the news was a “bit of a shock” at first, according to several UK media outlets.
When a patient asked how he was, Charles replied: “Not bad”, revealing that he was due to undergo “treatment this afternoon too”.
In February, news emerged that Charles was being treated for an unspecified type of cancer that was discovered following planned prostate treatment. He has since been named Cancer Research UK's newest patron.
Details of his diagnosis have been kept secret in recent months as the monarch has largely remained out of the public eye, with other members of the royal family filling in for Charles in official engagements. Buckingham Palace confirmed on Friday, April 26, that the royal would make his first appearance since his diagnosis.
“His Majesty the King will soon return to public duties following a period of treatment and recovery following his recent cancer diagnosis,” the statement read. “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 specialist doctors and patients.”
The palace went on to say that Charles' medical team is "encouraged by the progress" he has made so far and "remains positive" about his treatments.
“Upcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to Her Majesty’s continued recovery,” the statement concluded. “The pace of the King’s program will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”
Before Tuesday's outing, Charles and Camila, 76, celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary. The relationship milestone was marked by a new photo of the couple. Charles was all smiles as he walked alongside Camilla, whose arm was around her husband.
The new portrait was also released to mark the one-year anniversary of Charles' coronation, which will be celebrated on Monday, May 6.
“As the first anniversary of the Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they received from around the world during the joys and challenges of the past year,” the palace wrote alongside the new image.
Charles assumed the throne after his mother's death, Queen Eliazbeth IIin September 2022.