- By Shawn Coughlan
- royal correspondent
King Charles is to hold his first major public event since his cancer diagnosis.
The King and Queen Camilla will visit a hospital and specialist cancer center in a public show of support for staff, patients and ongoing research work.
Apart from attending an Easter Sunday church service, the king has stayed away from public events and crowds.
But last week Buckingham Palace released a statement with a more positive message about the monarch’s health.
The king’s doctors were said to be “very encouraged by the progress made so far” in treating an unspecified form of cancer.
That means he is able to gradually return to public activities, starting with a symbolic visit to a cancer center on Tuesday.
King’s recent personal experience with cancer, which was diagnosed in February, will give added importance to his visit to the hospital – where he will pay tribute to the efforts of staff on behalf of patients, families and carers.
The visit aims to continue the King’s desire to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis, it follows the King’s decision to go public with his own health issues earlier this year, in the hope of That it will encourage others to get a health checkup.
There will also be an opportunity to see some of the innovative technology and cancer research happening at the hospital.
Although the mood music is more positive regarding the King’s health, it remains a cautious optimism, with the King’s cancer treatment still ongoing and no date for its completion has been announced as of yet.
However, he is expected to be well enough to host a state visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June, part of his role as head of state.
Despite his recent recovery, the king has continued his constitutional role, including regular private meetings with the prime minister.
However, it remains uncertain whether the king will be able to attend some of the major royal events in the coming weeks, including Trooping the Colour, garden parties and D-Day commemorations.
A decision on whether he will be able to participate will be made in the near future following medical advice, but King’s summer program is likely to be reduced or adapted while his recovery continues.
