King Charles III's poignant return to public eye after cancer battle
1 April 2024 09:12
King of Great Britain, Charles III, met with his subjects during a walk after the Easter Sunday service in Windsor. This marked his first official public appearance since Buckingham Palace announced in February that the monarch had been diagnosed with cancer.
At the age of 75, Charles III, alongside Queen Camilla, greeted dozens of individuals gathered outside St. George's Chapel. This chapel is the final resting place for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022. They spent about 5 minutes engaging with the crowd.
King Charles III makes his first appearance since cancer diagnosis
The king’s sister, Princess Anne, and his brother, Prince Edward, with their spouses, also attended the service. Prince Andrew of York sidelined from royal duties in 2022 due to his association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was present in Windsor as well.
The heir to the throne, Prince William, and his wife, Princess Kate, who has also been recently diagnosed with cancer, were not in attendance.
After Buckingham Palace's announcement in February about the King's cancer diagnosis and his need for treatment, Charles III continued to perform his duties as head of state. However, based on his doctors' recommendations, he temporarily withdrew from public appearances during treatment.
The monarch's attendance at Sunday's mass and subsequent engagement with the public indicate that his treatment is progressing positively. As noted by AP, it is anticipated that, following the Easter Holidays, the King will gradually resume his public duties.
Even though the monarch's duties are primarily ceremonial, they are nonetheless demanding. According to AP, these responsibilities include meetings with political leaders and events to honour the contributions of British citizens. AP remembers that in his inaugural year as king, Charles devoted 161 days to fulfilling these tasks.
Source: AP, PAP