King Charles continues cancer treatment after returning to public duties for first time since diagnosis - live

King Charles made a return to public duties with a visit to a hospital and specialist cancer centre in London on Tuesday.

The King, alongside Queen Camilla, met doctors and patients during the visit in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research taking place at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Both smiled broadly and waved to onlookers as they greeted staff including Baroness Neuberger, chairman of University London College Hospitals (UCLH), and David Probert, its chief executive.

It was the 75-year-old monarch’s first public engagement since his cancer diagnosis, and follows a statement issued by Buckingham Palace in which the King was said to be making positive progress in his treatment.

Charles was also announced as the new patron of Cancer Research UK taking over the patronage from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.

The public engagement also comes ahead of the planned return to the UK by Prince Harry for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games next week.

Key Points

• Charles and Camilla in good spirits at King’s first public engagement in three months

• Charles continuing outpatient cancer treatment hours after returning to duty

• ‘Royal family facing toughest period seen in our lifetimes’

• Royal superfan touched after Camilla accepts ‘Get Well Soon’ flowers for Charles

Duchess of Edinburgh denounces Putin’s forces for using rape as a weapon of war

Tuesday 30 April 2024 08:03 , Holly Evans

King Charles plans to make raising awareness of cancer a top priority

Tuesday 30 April 2024 08:30 , Emma Guinness

King Charles intends to use his platform to raise awareness of “five Cs” on his return to work – including cancer.

The King, who announced that he had been diagnosed with the illness in February, is today (30 April) returning to work and his first port of call will be a cancer treatment centre.

There, he and the Queen Consort Camilla will meet with cancer patients and their families.

It is hoped that this will highlight the effect the disease has on families as well as sufferers.

The other chosen “C” causes the King is making a top priority are “climate, community, culture and [the] Commonwealth.”

King Charles determined to lead Trooping the Colour parade on horseback

Tuesday 30 April 2024 08:45 , Emma Guinness

King Charles is reportedly determined to lead the Trooping the Colour in June on horseback.

The parade, which will mark the monarch’s 76th birthday, is set to take place on Saturday, 15 June.

The monarch, who today (30 April) returns to duty after undergoing cancer treatment, is said to want to be seen to “lead from the front”.

However, while he has been declared well enough to return to duty following his cancer diagnosis and treatment, he still has the disease and precautions are being taken as a result.

According to official sources, “adaptations” are being made “where necessary” to minimize risk as he takes on a scaled-back summer programme of work.

His plan to ride at the parade on his horse Noble has not yet been approved by doctors.

The King was gifted Noble, a black mare, to celebrate his coronation last year.

Queen Camilla is in good spirits ahead of the King’s return to work

Tuesday 30 April 2024 09:00 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla was in good spirits yesterday (29 April) as she carried out her duties.

The Queen Consort hosted the Maiden yacht crew at Clarence House ahead of King Charles’s return to work to celebrate their win in the Ocean Globe Race.

The group made history by becoming the first female crew to win a round-the-world yacht race earlier this month.

It took them a staggering 153 days to complete the journey on 16 April, having first set off on the adventure of a lifetime in September.

The Queen will also be working today (30 April) when she joins the King at a cancer treatment centre to help raise awareness of the disease.

Prince William has a busy day of engagements

Tuesday 30 April 2024 09:15 , Emma Guinness

Prince William has a busy schedule today (30 April) and is set to champion the environment and men’s mental health.

His day will begin with a visit to an Earthshot Prize finalist firm, which produces low-carbon construction materials, in Seaham, County Durham.

This is one of the Prince’s first engagements since returning to work this month after the announcement of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis in March.

The Prince will also champion the cause of male mental health by opening James’ Place Newcastle – a new treatment centre that offers free assistance to suicidal men.

The heir to the throne will be undertaking the engagements on the same day that King Charles returns to work after undergoing treatment for his own, undisclosed form of cancer.

The Duchess of Edinburgh greeted by Zelensky

Tuesday 30 April 2024 09:30 , Emma Guinness

The Duchess of Edinburgh has received a warm welcome from the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Sophie yesterday (29 April) became the first member of the royal family to visit the wartorn country since its full-scale conflict with Russia began in February 2022.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement that the trip was to “demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war”.

The Duchess is one of a handful of royals who have held the fort amid King Charles and the Princess of Wales’s respective cancer battles, which forced them to step back from their duties.

The King, however, is set to return to work today (30 April).

The King’s engagements will be carefully paced

Tuesday 30 April 2024 09:45 , Emma Guinness

King Charles is returning to public duties today (30 April) for the first time in three months.

The monarch, 75, was forced to take a step back after being diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer, as revealed in February.

Palace sources have now said that his upcoming work will be carefully paced so that the King, who still has the illness, does not over-exert himself.

A spokesperson said the “pacing” will be “carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team”.

He will today visit a cancer treatment centre with the Queen Consort to help raise awareness of the disease, which has also affected the Duchess of York and the Princess of Wales this year.

Return to work welcome for ‘workaholic’ King Charles

Tuesday 30 April 2024 10:00 , Emma Guinness

King Charles was described as a “workaholic” earlier this year ahead of news of his cancer diagnosis breaking.

Queen Consort Camilla allegedly told her husband that she wanted him to slow down at the time, concerned that he was doing too much for a 75-year-old.

The revelation was made as the King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate in January.

An insider said: “The people who work for him are worried he is doing too much for a man of 75. It’s sometimes a struggle to keep up with him.”

According to reports, the Monarch previously filled his days to the point where he would not eat until 9pm.

That is why today (30 April) is a welcome relief for the King, who was reported to be frustrated after suspending public-facing duties after his cancer diagnosis.

Queen Camilla praised for knowing exactly ‘what is is right’

Tuesday 30 April 2024 10:15 , Emma Guinness

The Queen Consort has been praised for her understanding of King Charles and knowing what is “right” ahead of his return to work today (30 April).

She is set to accompany the Monarch on a visit to a cancer treatment centre to help raise awareness of the disease following news of his diagnosis in February.

Royal expert Angela Levin said: “I wrote her [Camilla’s] biography and she’s got this very strong instinct of knowing what is right at the right moment.

“She’s been there so solidly with the work and the engagements, when you saw the picture of their 19th wedding anniversary that came out yesterday, you can see that they are so interactive together.”

While the King was forced to take a step back from public-facing duties because of his illness, Queen Camilla has continued with her work – yesterday (29 April) celebrating the victory of an all-female yacht crew in a round-the-world race.

Privy Council ‘heartened’ by King Charles’s return to work

Tuesday 30 April 2024 10:30 , Emma Guinness

The Privy Council has released a statement celebrating King Charles’s return to work.

The Monarch is finally returning to public-facing duties today (30 April) after a three-month absence following his diagnosis with an undisclosed form of cancer.

In a statement posted to Twitter/X on 26 April, Lord President Penny Mordaunt said: “Like so many around the country, I am greatly heartened by news of the King’s improving health.

“He will have wanted to get back to public facing work as soon as possible.

“We in Parliament send our thanks and good wishes as he continues his recovery.”

Buckingham Palace does not plan to reveal more information about King’s cancer

Tuesday 30 April 2024 10:45 , Emma Guinness

Buckingham Palace has announced that it does not plan to share any further information about King Charles’s cancer.

The Monarch, 75, is today (30 April) returning to work after a prolonged absence caused by the disease.

His first engagement will be a visit to a cancer treatment centre, where he and the Queen Consort Camilla will meet patients and families affected by the disease.

News of the King’s diagnosis came in February following a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

The Palace confirmed at the time that the King does not have prostate cancer.

It has now added that there are no plans to share further information about the status of the King’s illness or his treatment plan.

‘Charles is not alone,’ says royal fan outside hospital

Tuesday 30 April 2024 10:55 , Emma Guinness

A royal fan excitedly waiting for the King’s arrival outside a hospital and specialist cancer centre today has said Charles “is not alone” in his battle against cancer.

As the monarch makes a return to royal duties with his first public appearance since he announced his diagnosis in February, John Loughrey, 69, from London, told The Independent: “One thing Charles does know is he is not alone.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, cancer can strike anyone.”

‘It’s nice to see you back’: Royal watchers tell of hopes to greet King

Tuesday 30 April 2024 11:05 , Emma Guinness

Royal watchers have told of the well wishes they are hoping to greet the King and Queen with as the royal couple make their first public appearance since the Monarch announced his cancer diagnosis three months ago.

Sky London, 63, John Loughrey, 69, and Amanda, 51, who did not want to share her surname, are waiting for Charles and Camilla’s arrival outside a hospital and cancer specialist centre today, having been royal fans for decades and hardly missing a royal event in that time.

The trio, all from London, told The Independent they are hopeful the royal pair will stop outside to greet members of the public, as they often take the time to do so.

Mr Loughrey said: “I feel great being here today because it’s the King’s first engagement since we heard the news of his diagnosis.”

He and Mr London were holding a bunch of red tulips and roses that they planned on giving to the Queen, who has “been there for Charles”.

Meanwhile, they wanted to tell the King: “It’s nice to see you back - we all miss you.”

King Charles arrives at first public engagement since cancer diagnosis

Tuesday 30 April 2024 11:26 , Emma Guinness

King Charles has arrived at his first public engagement since his cancer diagnosis in February.

The King and Queen Consort have just arrived at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.

Inside the hospital, crowds of staff have gathered in eager anticipation to greet Charles and Camilla.

The royal couple will now greet cancer patients and their families in a bid to raise awareness of how the disease affects more than just sufferers.

It is also hoped that the visit will raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight the innovative work being done at the hospital.

This work is being supported by Cancer Research UK, who have recently appointed King Charles as their new Patron.

The visit also marks the King’s first day as the new Patron.

Charles and Camilla in good spirits upon the King’s return to work

Tuesday 30 April 2024 11:40 , Rod Ardehali

The King and Queen Consort appeared to be in good spirits today as they arrived at the King’s first public engagement in three months.

The couple stopped to greet fans outside University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.

John Loughrey, 69, brought tulips for the Queen to acknowledge the support she has given her husband throughout his illness.

Inside, the King took the time to shake hands with his many well-wishers.

The couple are visiting the hospital to raise awareness of cancer after the King’s diagnosis saw him take a step back from public-facing duties in February.

However, last week, the happy news emerged that he has now made enough progress to work.

King Charles shakes hand with fellow cancer patient

Tuesday 30 April 2024 11:45 , Emma Guinness

King Charles has greeted a fellow cancer patient on his first public engagement since being diagnosed with the disease.

In moving images taken at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, he can be seen shaking hands with the patient.

The King and Queen Consort are hoping to raise awareness of the disease as well as the importance of early detection.

This comes amid a tumultuous time for royal family, who have seen three members diagnosed with cancer in the first three months of this year – the Duchess of York, the King, and the Princess of Wales.

‘Royal family facing toughest period seen in our lifetimes’

Tuesday 30 April 2024 11:49 , Emma Guinness

Royal fans have agreed that the period the royal family has endured in recent months has been the toughest they have seen in the decades they have spent royal watching.

Amanda, 51, who did not want to share her surname, told The Independent: “[It would have been] a very challenging time for any family, and to have them in the spotlight, you can’t imagine the magnification of that and the challenges they’re facing.

“[Harking] back to the late Queen’s annus horribilis - all of these things would be difficult for any family, and they’ve got to do this under a magnifying glass and put on a brave face and say ‘the show must go on’.”

She, John Loughrey, 69, and Sky London, 63, have all been royal watching together for over a decade, while each has been a royal fan for most of their lives.

The trio turned up outside University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London to witness the King’s first public engagement since his cancer diagnosis.

They all sent cards with words of support to the King after he announced his cancer diagnosis - and each received a card personally signed by the Queen in response.

Asked if the royal family had faced its toughest period in recent memory over the past few months, Mr Loughrey said: “Definitely in my lifetime it’s been the toughest. It’s been hard on the family.”

Children with flowers wait to say goodbye to King and Queen

Tuesday 30 April 2024 11:54 , Rod Ardehali

A group of children waited outside the treatment centre to say goodbye to the King and Queen.

They held flowers for the pair, who were carrying out the first public engagement together since King Charles’s cancer diagnosis.

During the visit, the couple met with patients, their families and doctors in a bid to raise awareness of the disease that has rocked the royal family in recent months.

King and Queen given gifts by children

Tuesday 30 April 2024 12:01 , Rod Ardehali

King Charles and Queen Camilla were gifted flowers and gifts by children outside of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.

They were snapped holding the flowers as they smiled and shook hands with the well-wishers.

Inside, the couple met patients and their families to highlight the centre’s innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK.

King Charles is the new Patron of Cancer Research UK

Tuesday 30 April 2024 12:13 , Emma Guinness

Today marks King Charles’s first engagement as the new Patron of Cancer Research UK.

The King, who still battling an undisclosed form of cancer, visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London to help raise awareness of the disease.

The visit was also designed to highlight the innovative work being done by Cancer Research UK at the centre.

The King undertook the visit alongside his wife, Queen Consort Camilla. The pair greeted fans and patients alike, who appeared delighted by his return.

Royal fan ‘touched’ as Camilla thanks him for flowers

Tuesday 30 April 2024 13:58 , Emma Guinness

A royal fan has said he is “touched” after Camilla seemed visibly delighted as she thanked him for flowers he gave to her outside the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.

The King and Queen were getting into their car to leave after making their first public appearance in months when the monarch suggested to his wife that she go over to John Loughrey, 68, and Sky London, 63, to receive the bouquet, according to Mr Loughrey.

The 68-year-old said Camilla appeared delighted at the gift as she said “thank you so much”.

Mr Loughrey told The Independent: “I feel great. I can’t believe it. The King said ‘go over’ – you don’t expect this. I’m shocked… I can’t tell you how touched I am.”

He added: “I was very pleased to give the ‘get well’ flowers.”

Prince William champions the environment at Earthshot Finalist firm

Tuesday 30 April 2024 14:15 , Emma Guinness

Prince William has championed the environment on a visit to an Earthshot Prize finalist company in County Durham.

The heir to the throne is continuing his duties while his wife Kate Middleton undergoes treatment for cancer.

He was photographed at Low Carbon Materials in Seaham, County Durham, which, as the company name suggests, creates sustainable materials for the construction industry.

The Prince is also scheduled to open a new centre for men struggling with their mental health later today.

His busy schedule comes after his father, Prince Charles, returned to duty this morning and visited a cancer treatment centre in London with the Queen.

Like his son, the King is a known champion of environmentally friendly causes.

King Charles continuing cancer treatment this afternoon

Tuesday 30 April 2024 14:30 , Emma Guinness

King Charles is continuing his outpatient cancer treatment just hours after returning to duty.

The Monarch, 75, made the revelation to a fellow cancer sufferer while on a visit to a cancer treatment centre in London this morning.

“It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?” he empathised.

The King, who stepped back from public-facing duties for three months, then explained that the second half of his day would be taken up by his ongoing battle with the disease.

He said: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”

Cancer expert says Palace must always have a ‘plan B' as King Charles returns to work

Tuesday 30 April 2024 15:00 , Emma Guinness

A cancer expert has weighed in on King Charles’s return to work and stressed the importance of always having a “plan B” while the King continues his treatment.

Barbara Wilson, founder, and director of the not-for-profit Working With Cancer, told The Independent that while the King’s courage is plain to see, he is likely suffering from “troubling and disruptive” symptoms that must be kept in mind.

“Choosing to go to a cancer centre is an important and tremendous symbol of his ability to confront the disease and show support for people suffering from it,” Wilson said.

“Whilst Buckingham Palace has said that his return will be ‘carefully calibrated’, the key is to remain flexible when putting engagements in the diary and always have a plan B. There will, of course, be physical and mental side effects that will remain even after treatment, and he will have good weeks and bad weeks.

“The most common side effect of a cancer diagnosis is fatigue and, for many, it is the most troubling and disruptive symptom, serving as a constant reminder of what they have been through. Therefore, no one should be concerned if the King’s level of engagement is not always constant.”

King Charles gifts young boy chocolate and books

Tuesday 30 April 2024 16:44 , Emma Guinness

King Charles and Queen Camilla have gifted a young royal well-wisher a giant chocolate coin and books.

The sweet gesture was made outside University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, which was the King’s first port of call as he returned to public duty.

Ellis Edwards, 11, was pictured smiling after his brief interaction with the King and Queen.

Prince William champions men’s mental health on last engagement of the day

Tuesday 30 April 2024 17:00 , Emma Guinness

Prince William has opened a new facility for men struggling with their mental health.

He opened the new St James’ Place centre in Newcastle, which will provide free support to suicidal men. It is one of several centres now run by the charity, which was established in 2008.

The Prince also championed the cause last week when he praised schoolboy Freddie Hadley, 12, for setting up a mental health initiative at his school in Rowley Regis, Sandwell.

During the visit, the Prince spoke to men who had already used the service. Dean Stewart, 31, from Gateshead, told the royal that it has had such a positive impact on his life that he is now training to be a counsellor.

“The Prince of Wales coming up means a lot more men will come through the doors rather than doing themselves harm,” he said.

ICYMI: King reassures public ‘I’m well’ as he meets with fellow cancer sufferers in return to public duties

Tuesday 30 April 2024 17:30 , Matt Mathers

The King has reassured the public “I’m well” as he met with fellow cancer sufferers in his return to public-facing duties for the first time since he announced his diagnosis.

Charles also candidly described the shock of the moment he received his positive test when he and his wife the Queen met patients and doctors at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on Tuesday.

Full report:

King reassures public ‘I’m well’ as he returns to duties after cancer diagnosis

Duchess of Edinburgh condemns Russian forces for using rape as a weapon of war in history Ukraine visit

Tuesday 30 April 2024 18:00 , Matt Mathers

The Duchess of Edinburgh has condemned Russian forces’ use of rape as a weapon of war on her historic visit to Ukraine.

Sophie, 59, is the first member of the British royal family to visit Ukraine since Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of their neighbour in February 2022.

Full report:

Duchess of Edinburgh condemns Russian forces for using rape as a weapon of war

Princess Anne ‘wants to go on Strictly’ – and it might actually help the royal family’s image problem

Tuesday 30 April 2024 19:00 , Matt Mathers

According to ‘Strictly’ professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, the Princess Royal would be keen to get on her dancing shoes for the BBC competition. It seems improbable, but it might actually be a good PR move for the Windsors, says Katie Rosseinsky

Read Katie’s piece in full here:

Princess Anne on Strictly? It might help the royal family’s image problem

Watch: King and Queen exchange flowers and presents with children as Charles resumes public duties

Tuesday 30 April 2024 20:00 , Matt Mathers

King and Queen receive flowers from children as Charles resumes public duties

Harry to return to UK for first time since Kate revealed cancer diagnosis

Tuesday 30 April 2024 21:00 , Matt Mathers

The Duke of Sussex will return to the UK next week for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games.

The Invictus Games first took place in London in 2014 and was founded by Prince Harry as a sporting event for injured and sick military personnel and veterans.

Full report:

Harry to return to UK for first time since Kate revealed cancer diagnosis

ICYMI: Royal fan ‘touched’ as Camilla thanks him for flowers

Tuesday 30 April 2024 22:00 , Matt Mathers

A royal fan has said he is “touched” after Camilla seemed visibly delighted as she thanked him for flowers he gave to her outside the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.

The King and Queen were getting into their car to leave after making their first public appearance in months when the monarch suggested to his wife that she go over to John Loughrey, 68, and Sky London, 63, to receive the bouquet, according to Mr Loughrey.

The 68-year-old said Camilla appeared delighted at the gift as she said “thank you so much”.

Mr Loughrey told The Independent: “I feel great. I can’t believe it. The King said ‘go over’ – you don’t expect this. I’m shocked… I can’t tell you how touched I am.”

He added: “I was very pleased to give the ‘get well’ flowers.”

ICYMI: Prince William champions the environment at Earthshot Finalist firm

Tuesday 30 April 2024 23:00 , Matt Mathers

Prince William has championed the environment on a visit to an Earthshot Prize finalist company in County Durham.

The heir to the throne is continuing his duties while his wife Kate Middleton undergoes treatment for cancer.

He was photographed at Low Carbon Materials in Seaham, County Durham, which, as the company name suggests, creates sustainable materials for the construction industry.

The Prince is also scheduled to open a new centre for men struggling with their mental health later today.

His busy schedule comes after his father, Prince Charles, returned to duty this morning and visited a cancer treatment centre in London with the Queen.

Like his son, the King is a known champion of environmentally friendly causes.

ICYMI: King Charles continuing cancer treatment

Wednesday 1 May 2024 00:01 , Matt Mathers

King Charles was to continue his outpatient cancer treatment just hours after returning to duty on Tuesday.

The Monarch, 75, made the revelation to a fellow cancer sufferer while on a visit to a cancer treatment centre in London.

“It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?” he empathised.

The King, who stepped back from public-facing duties for three months, then explained that the second half of his day would be taken up by his ongoing battle with the disease.

He said: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”

ICYMI: Cancer expert says palace must always have a ‘plan B’ as King Charles returns to work

01:00 , Matt Mathers

A cancer expert has weighed in on King Charles’s return to work and stressed the importance of always having a “plan B” while the King continues his treatment.

Barbara Wilson, founder, and director of the not-for-profit Working With Cancer, told The Independent that while the King’s courage is plain to see, he is likely suffering from “troubling and disruptive” symptoms that must be kept in mind.

“Choosing to go to a cancer centre is an important and tremendous symbol of his ability to confront the disease and show support for people suffering from it,” Wilson said.

“Whilst Buckingham Palace has said that his return will be ‘carefully calibrated’, the key is to remain flexible when putting engagements in the diary and always have a plan B. There will, of course, be physical and mental side effects that will remain even after treatment, and he will have good weeks and bad weeks.

“The most common side effect of a cancer diagnosis is fatigue and, for many, it is the most troubling and disruptive symptom, serving as a constant reminder of what they have been through. Therefore, no one should be concerned if the King’s level of engagement is not always constant.”

ICYMI: King Charles gifts young boy chocolate and books

02:00 , Matt Mathers

King Charles and Queen Camilla have gifted a young royal well-wisher a giant chocolate coin and books.

The sweet gesture was made outside University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, which was the King’s first port of call as he returned to public duty.

Ellis Edwards, 11, was pictured smiling after his brief interaction with the King and Queen.

ICYMI: Prince William champions men’s mental health on last engagement of the day

03:00 , Matt Mathers

Prince William has opened a new facility for men struggling with their mental health.

He opened the new St James’ Place centre in Newcastle, which will provide free support to suicidal men. It is one of several centres now run by the charity, which was established in 2008.

The Prince also championed the cause last week when he praised schoolboy Freddie Hadley, 12, for setting up a mental health initiative at his school in Rowley Regis, Sandwell.

During the visit, the Prince spoke to men who had already used the service. Dean Stewart, 31, from Gateshead, told the royal that it has had such a positive impact on his life that he is now training to be a counsellor.

“The Prince of Wales coming up means a lot more men will come through the doors rather than doing themselves harm,” he said.

ICYMI: King reassures public ‘I’m well’ as he meets with fellow cancer sufferers in return to public duties

04:00 , Matt Mathers

The King has reassured the public “I’m well” as he met with fellow cancer sufferers in his return to public-facing duties for the first time since he announced his diagnosis.

Charles also candidly described the shock of the moment he received his positive test when he and his wife the Queen met patients and doctors at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on Tuesday.

Full report:

King reassures public ‘I’m well’ as he returns to duties after cancer diagnosis

ICYMI: King Charles is the new Patron of Cancer Research UK

05:00 , Matt Mathers

Tuesday marked King Charles’s first engagement as the new Patron of Cancer Research UK.

The King, who is battling an undisclosed form of cancer, visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London to help raise awareness of the disease.

The visit was also designed to highlight the innovative work being done by Cancer Research UK at the centre.

The King undertook the visit alongside his wife, Queen Consort Camilla. The pair greeted fans and patients alike, who appeared delighted by his return.

ICYMI: King and Queen given gifts by children

06:00 , Matt Mathers

King Charles and Queen Camilla were gifted flowers and gifts by children outside of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London.

They were snapped holding the flowers as they smiled and shook hands with the well-wishers.

Inside, the couple met patients and their families to highlight the centre’s innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK.

ICYMI: Privy Council ‘heartened’ by King Charles’s return to work

07:00 , Matt Mathers

The Privy Council has released a statement celebrating King Charles’s return to work.

The Monarch returned to public-facing duties on 30 April after a three-month absence following his diagnosis with an undisclosed form of cancer.

In a statement posted to Twitter/X on 26 April, Lord President Penny Mordaunt said: “Like so many around the country, I am greatly heartened by news of the King’s improving health.

“He will have wanted to get back to public facing work as soon as possible.

“We in Parliament send our thanks and good wishes as he continues his recovery.”

Harry to return to UK for first time since Kate revealed cancer diagnosis

07:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Duke of Sussex will return to the UK next week for a ceremony to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games.

The Invictus Games first took place in London in 2014 and was founded by Prince Harry as a sporting event for injured and sick military personnel and veterans.

Harry will be at the service of thanksgiving at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 8 May, where he is expected to provide a reading.

Harry to return to UK for first time since Kate revealed cancer diagnosis

King Charles sends message of support to Hainault stabbing victims

08:01 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King Charles III has offered his sympathies to “all those affected” by the “horrific” stabbings in Hainault on Tuesday,

“In particular, the family of the young victim who has lost his life,” Buckingham Palace said.

The Palace spokesman added: “Following the horrific scenes in Hainault this morning, the King has asked to be kept fully informed as details of the incident become clearer.

“He salutes the courage of the emergency services who helped contain the situation.”

In pictures: The King’s visit to the Macmillan Cancer Centre

08:33 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King Charles made a return to public duties with a visit to a hospital and specialist cancer centre in London on Tuesday.

Inside King Charles’ rigid diet and strict exercise routine – and why he doesn’t eat lunch

09:05 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In the decades spent waiting to ascend to the throne, King Charles has always ensured he maintained a strict diet and rigid daily exercise routine.

The 75-year-old monarch was diagnosed with a form of cancer in February, after a check up last month found an unrelated, enlarged prostate that proved to be benign.

While he stepped away temporarily from public-facing duties, he has lived an impressively healthy life up to now - barring several injuries from a lengthy polo career and two coronavirus infections during the pandemic.

In a list of 70 facts released by Clarence House in 2018 to mark the then-Prince Charles’ 70th birthday, it was revealed that he restricts himself to only two meals a day.

Read more here:

Inside King Charles’ strict diet and exercise routine – and why he doesn’t eat lunch

King Charles cancer diagnosis: The history of illnesses in the Royal Family

09:32 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In February, King Charles shared he had been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.

The Royal Family did not specify the form of cancer but he is still undergoing regular treatment and has postponed public duties.

Here is a look back at the history of health issues in the Royal Family:

History of illnesses in the Royal Family after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis

King speaks candidly about cancer diagnosis ‘shock’ with fellow patients

10:03 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The King spoke of his “shock” at being diagnosed with cancer as he met fellow patients on his return to public-facing duties on Tuesday.

Charles candidly described the experience of being told he had the disease when he visited University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London, to learn about the latest treatments and chat to staff providing the pioneering care.

He also reassured those who asked about the state of his health, saying: “I’m well.”

David Probert, chief executive of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who hosted the visit, said: “His Majesty was full of great energy, he engaged with us really positively and as always was incredibly enthusiastic.”

The King, who looked relaxed and in good spirits, was joined on the visit by the Queen, and went on impromptu walkabouts, meeting staff who had stopped to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

Charles sympathised with cancer patient Lesley Woodbridge as she underwent chemotherapy alongside many others in a day unit, telling the 63-year-old: “It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?”

He added: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, becomes first royal to visit Ukraine since Russian invasion

10:31 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Duchess of Edinburgh has become the first member of the royal family to visit Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, meeting president Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife in Kyiv.

Sophie, 59, made the surprise visit on behalf of the Foreign Office to show solidarity with those impacted by the war and as part of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

The duchess champions the work of Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. She took on the role in 2019, on International Women’s Day.

Sophie becomes first member of royal family to visit Ukraine since war

How King Charles’s T-Rex tie ‘gifted by Prince Louis’ told the story of his public return

11:14 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King Charles shared a sign that he had a real “spring in his step” on his return to public duty yesterday.

The King, 75, subtly let royal fans know that he is feeling good by wearing a pink T-rex tie – reportedly a gift from one of his grandchildren – on his visit to a cancer treatment centre in London.

According to commentators, it is likely a gift from Prince Louis, six, who reportedly has a penchant for dinosaurs.

Read more here:

How King Charles’s t-rex tie told the story of his public return

In pictures: King of Lesotho visits Charles at Buckingham Palace

11:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King Charles III during an audience with Letsie III the King of Lesotho at Buckingham Palace, London.

King reassures public ‘I’m well’ as he meets with fellow cancer sufferers in return to public duties

12:41 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The King has reassured the public “I’m well” as he met with fellow cancer sufferers in his return to public-facing duties for the first time since he announced his diagnosis.

Charles also candidly described the shock of the moment he received his positive test when he and the Queen met patients and doctors at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on Tuesday.

In his first public engagement since he disclosed he had the disease three months ago, the monarch was raising awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and to highlight innovative research taking place at the London-based medical institution.

King reassures public ‘I’m well’ as he returns to duties after cancer diagnosis

King Charles: What kind of cancer treatment is available to him - and what impact could it have

13:16 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

As the news breaks of King Charles’ return to public-facing royal duties following his cancer treatment, a palace spokesperson said the King’s medical team were “very encouraged by his progress”.

Our health correspondent Rebecca Thomas explains the different types of cancer treatment:

King Charles: What kind of cancer treatment is available to him

How King Charles and Kate have supported each other through cancer treatment

13:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

As both the King and the Princess of Wales faced cancer diagnoses this year, the close relationship between Charles and his “beloved daughter-in-law” has become increasingly apparent.

Charles and Kate were both diagnosed with undisclosed forms of cancer earlier this year following overlapping stays at a private hospital in London in January.

The King revealed his diagnosis to the nation in early February while Kate followed suit six weeks later following massive amounts of online speculation as she stayed out of the public eye.

How King Charles and Kate have supported eachother through cancer treatment

In pictures: Prince Edward visits Osel Enterprises

14:38 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh takes a tour of Osel Enterprises, Wight Crystal Bottling Plant in Newport.

16:09 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

We are now pausing our liveblog. Thank you for tuning in.