King Charles health update as Buckingham Palace announces his return to public duties

Buckingham Palace has shared an update on King Charles’ health, following the news that he had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

The 75-year-old had undergone surgery on an enlarged prostate in January, with the palace saying it was a ‘corrective procedure’ and that his condition was benign.

However, one week later, it was revealed that the surgery identified a 'separate issue of concern', with tests confirming that the royal had cancer.

"During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the palace said in a statement at the time.

"Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”

King Charles was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Charles has been receiving care as an outpatient since early February, having been forced to postpone his public duties as he underwent a ‘schedule of regular treatments’ and would be postponing ‘public-facing duties’.

A promising update has now been shared on behalf of the King, who now plans to return to his public royal duties after the positive effect of his treatment.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.”

The palace said Charles and Camilla will visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday to meet medical specialists and patients.

Their visit aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, while also highlighting innovative research – supported by Cancer Research UK - taking place at the hospital.

The spokesperson said Charles’ treatment programme would continue, but that doctors were ‘sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far’, meaning he is now able to resume ‘a number of public-facing duties’.

A promising update has been shared about the King's health. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

“Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery,” they added.

Charles’ diary of public events will not be a full summer programme, while his attendance will be ‘subject to doctor’s advice’ and announced nearer the time, with ‘adaptations made where necessary’ to minimise the risk to his recovery.

It is believed that the warmer weather should allow events to be staged outside, reducing the risk from others that many cancer patients face.

The spokesperson said: “The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”

A new photo of Charles and wife Camilla, taken on 10 April – the day after their 19th wedding anniversary – shows the pair smiling as they walk arm in arm along a path.

The picture celebrates the first anniversary of the crowning of the King and Queen on May 6.

A new photo of Charles and Camilla has been released. (PA)

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.

“To help mark this milestone, the King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients.

“This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead. In addition, The King and Queen will host Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June, at the request of HM Government.

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