King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, visited a hospital and cancer research center in London this Tuesday. This is the sovereign’s first public commitment since it was announced on February 5 that he was undergoing cancer treatment.
Although this is his first official act outside the palace, the 75-year-old monarch was seen attending several private religious services that month and during last Holy Week, and has maintained his office duties during this time.
The monarch smiled and waved to the crowd, as well as his hosts, before entering the Macmillan Cancer Center at University College Hospital, where, according to Buckingham Palace, he will meet patients and examine new medical equipment to fight the disease. disease. This visit by Charles III, who was seen relaxing in a dark blue suit and light tie, is considered very symbolic given that he himself is undergoing treatment and is interpreted as a gesture of solidarity and empathy with other affected people.
Like the king, who has just assumed sponsorship of the Cancer Research UK research unit, the queen, 76, is also linked to entities that fight and support this disease. Camila, who in recent months has assumed a good part of the work of the monarchy, was next to her husband at all times this Tuesday, dressed in a leopard-skin print dress.
The hospital they visited received its first patients in 2012 and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of cancers, as well as other ailments. CEO David Proberto and president Julia Neuberger took the couple to see the facilities, including state-of-the-art diagnostic scanners, and are expected to receive a bouquet of flowers from young patients at the end of the tour.
In 1997, as Prince of Wales, the King became patron of the Macmillan Cancer charity, which provides support and promotes better care, and since 2008 the Queen has chaired the Maggie’s counseling service, which offers free advice in centers around the world. country.
Buckingham Palace announced last week that Charles III would return to his public engagements this Tuesday thanks to his good progress in the treatment he is receiving, although this does not guarantee that he will attend other events in the future. This will be decided based on medical advice, said the palace, which specified that it will always try to limit the risk to his recovery.
The monarchy plans to receive the emperors of Japan next June, on a state visit sponsored by the British Government. Charles III and Queen Camilla will celebrate the first anniversary of his coronation on May 6, after he assumed the throne following the death of Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022.
In addition to the sovereign, Catherine, the wife of his heir, Prince Henry, is also undergoing cancer treatment, after it was revealed in March that he was diagnosed with an unspecified cancer.
