King Charles visits London cancer centre in poignant return to public duties

In a symbolic appearance on Tuesday morning (about 8.10pm AEST) His Majesty arrived at Macmillan Cancer Centre at the University College Hospital wearing a navy pinstripe suit with a light blue striped shirt and his much-loved pink dinosaur tie.

The 75-year-old monarch was joined by wife Queen Camilla on the outing, with the couple sporting huge smiles and waving at crowds outside the London hospital.

Their majesties met with clinicians, patients and families of patients during the visit, which is sure to be something they can relate to on many levels as the Princess of Wales also undergoes treatment for an unspecified cancer.

The King shook hands with staff, spoke about early detection – something he is keen to promote awareness about – and tenderly placed his hand on the arms of patients as he spoke with them at length.

When asked by one patient how his treatment was going, Charles replied: “I’m alright, thank you”.

The facility is not where King Charles is undergoing his own cancer treatment, which remains ongoing.

The visit also coincides with King Charles’ first day as patron of Cancer Research UK.

As the Prince of Wales, Charles became patron of Macmillan Cancer Support in 1997, a role he still holds to this day.

Similarly, Queen Camilla, as Duchess of Cornwall, took up the role as president of cancer support charity Maggie in 2008, which she remains as today.

King Charles stepped back from public appearances as he began his treatment for an unspecified cancer earlier this year, though the monarch continued with state business within the walls of Buckingham Palace.

While his majesty’s treatment remains ongoing, doctors were happy with the progress and gave the green light for Charles to return to public-facing duties last week.

Buckingham Palace warned that the upcoming summer schedule would not be a full one and each engagement – including the King’s Birthday parade, known as Trooping the Colour, and events such as Royal Ascot – would be undertaken on a case-by-case basis.

There is also a state visit to the UK by the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June, which the King is hoping to be hosting.

“Planning continues for ways in which their majesties may attend such summer and autumn engagements, though nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed at this stage,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said last week.

“All future plans remain subject to doctors’ advice nearer the time.”