king charles paris visit

King Charles III to begin first state visit to France

Charles III finally makes it across the Channel from Britain to France this week, six months after rioting and strikes forced the last-minute postponement of his first state visit as king.

Issued on: 18/09/2023 - 04:29 Modified: 18/09/2023 - 04:27

The 74-year-old British head of state's rescheduled three-day trip to Paris and Bordeaux with his wife Queen Camilla, 76, starts on Wednesday, with the itinerary largely unchanged from March.

It includes set-piece ceremonial events with President Emmanuel Macron , whose unpopular pension reforms sparked the civil unrest earlier this year, as well as more informal meetings with the public.

The royal couple, Macron and his wife Brigitte will be officially welcomed at the Arc de Triomphe and lay wreaths of remembrance before a procession down the sweeping Champs-Elysees avenue.

The French leader and First Lady will host Charles and Camilla at a state banquet at Versailles, the palace west of Paris synonymous with French royalty -- and the bloody republican revolution of 1789.

Other highlights include a landmark address -- likely in French -- by Charles to lawmakers at the Senate.

Many of the engagements turn around subjects championed by both couples, from the environment and sustainability to promoting literacy and youth entrepreneurship.

There are meetings with local communities and sports stars in the north Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis, home to the national stadium and venue for next year's Olympic Games .

In Bordeaux, the southwestern city once ruled over by Charles's 12th-century ancestor Henry II and still home to around 39,000 British expats, he will tour an organic vineyard and meet firefighters tackling climate-induced wildfires.

Political backdrop

On both sides of the Channel, the visit is being billed as a celebration of centuries-old bonds between the two neighbours, as politicians rebuild bridges after backbiting and bickering over Brexit.

The entente has not been so cordial since the UK left the European Union, with former prime minister Boris Johnson frequently baiting France over everything from fishing quotas to trading rules for sausages.

At one point, the UK under Johnson even briefly sent two gunboats to the Channel Islands -- the self-governing British Crown dependencies off the French coast -- in a standoff over fishing licences.

Johnson's short-lived successor Liz Truss did little to help, at one point saying "the jury's out" when asked whether Macron -- a G7 and NATO ally -- was a friend or foe.

But the current incumbent of Downing Street, Rishi Sunak, has forged better relations with his counterpart in the Elysee, who like him has a finance background and penchant for sharp suits and slick social media.

As the head of a constitutional monarchy, British kings and queens in recent times have -- mostly -- observed a strict political neutrality.

But politics is never far away on state visits, and Charles's trip is no exception, providing the "soft power" follow-up to Sunak's more friendly recent overtures.

Familiar figure

Ed Owens, a royal historian and author, called state visits "the trump card of diplomacy... above the party politics of the moment", such as lingering tensions between London and Paris over migrant crossings from northern France to the UK.

"There will be some informal diplomacy going on," said Owens, whose new book "After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?" was published on Friday.

But he told AFP that the wider goal was to present Charles "as the environmentalist king beyond British shores".

After a first year on the throne underlined by stability and continuity, rather than radical reform, the visit encapsulates a "business as usual approach to royal diplomacy".

In that, the French public will see a familiar British monarchy on display, he said.

"He has presented himself as a slightly more intimate figure but the monarchy remains very much the monarchy of Elizabeth II," he added.

Charles and Macron have met before, most recently at the king's coronation -- the official religious ceremony to mark his accession -- in May and are said to have a "warm relationship".

The Anglophile French leader's tribute to Charles's mother after her death in September last year was well received in the UK, and at her state funeral he extended an open invitation for the new king to visit France.

The postponement in March saw the king and queen head to Germany instead, visiting Berlin and Hamburg.

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Palace of Versailles celebrates its 400th anniversary and hosts King Charles III for state dinner

FILE - Visitors enjoy the Chateau de Versailles gardens, outside Paris, France, on July 15, 2023. France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III’s state visit starting on Wednesday Sept. 20, 2023 at one of its most magnificent and emblematic monuments: the Palace of Versailles, which celebrates its 400th anniversary. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

FILE - The Versailles castel is pictured by the setting sun with the Grand Canal in the foreground in Versailles, on Sept. 23, 2021. France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III’s state visit starting on Wednesday Sept. 20, 2023 at one of its most magnificent and emblematic monuments: the Palace of Versailles, which celebrates its 400th anniversary. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

File - French Republican guards march, prior to leaders arrivals, during an EU summit at the Chateau de Versailles, in Versailles, west of Paris, on March 10, 2022. France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III’s state visit starting on Wednesday Sept. 20, 2023 at one of its most magnificent and emblematic monuments: the Palace of Versailles, which celebrates its 400th anniversary. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

FILE - Visitors walk inside the Hall of Mirrors in the Versailles castle, on Nov. 17, 2015 in Versailles, west of Paris. France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III’s state visit starting on Wednesday Sept. 20, 2023 at one of its most magnificent and emblematic monuments: the Palace of Versailles, which celebrates its 400th anniversary. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)

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PARIS (AP) — France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III’s state visit at one of its most magnificent and emblematic monuments: the Palace of Versailles, which celebrates its 400th anniversary.

Charles and Queen Camilla’s three-day trip to Paris and Bordeaux, starting Wednesday, includes a grand dinner at Versailles in the presence of over 150 guests in the Hall of Mirrors.

The palace has recently opened a gallery retracing its history, from its creation as a modest hunting lodge in 1623 to last century’s key diplomatic events — including the visits of Charles’ predecessors.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s office said Wednesday’s dinner echoes the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1972, when she was greeted at the Palace by President Georges Pompidou. King Charles liked the idea of following in his mother’s footsteps, according to Macron’s office.

Elizabeth II also visited the palace in 1958 and 10 years earlier, four years before her coronation in 1952.

Catherine Pégard, president of the Palace of Versailles, praised the “never-ending story” of the palace that “includes visits from French children who come to Versailles with their classes, as well as visits from His Majesty the King of England or tourists who arrive from Asia and are less familiar with the history.”

“And we have a story to tell each one of them,” she told The Associated Press.

Visitors walk inside the Hall of Mirrors in the Versailles castle in Versailles, west of Paris. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)

Usually filled with a chaotic crowd of photo-snapping tourists from across the world, the Hall of Mirrors will be closed to visitors Wednesday to prepare for the royal banquet.

On the menu : blue lobster and crab followed by Bresse poultry and a gratin of cep mushrooms prepared, respectively, by French chefs Anne-Sophie Pic and Yannick Alléno, both awarded three Michelin stars. The cheese course will feature France’s Comté and Britain’s Stichelton blue cheese. For dessert, world-famous pastry chef Pierre Hermé will prepare his rose macaroon cookie, composed of rose petal cream, raspberries and lychees.

Charles’ visit will make one more date in the Palace’s long history starting from King Louis XIII, to the French revolution and all the way to modern times that is being presented on its ground floor into the newly opened Gallery of the History of the Palace.

The gallery has 11 rooms, each thematic and largely chronological, presenting over 120 works aimed at providing visitors from across the world with an immediate understanding of the complex history of the palace.

The Versailles castel is pictured by the setting sun with the Grand Canal in the foreground in Versailles. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

It brings together recently acquired works alongside paintings and artworks that for many years had gone unseen as they’d been in storage, along with others that are now repositioned and better enhanced.

Laurent Salomé, director of the National Museum of the Palace of Versailles and Trianon, said the exhibit features a number of masterpieces.

“Our intention was to create a first great moment of pleasure for visitors. First of all, because they’ve traveled a long way. For a long time, they’ve dreamed of Versailles. We didn’t want to give them a boring lesson to start their visit,” he said.

Some artworks come from the original version of the palace and its gardens under its great builder Louis XIV, who decided to expand his father’s hunting lodge.

It’s “a history made by not just one monarch, it’s also an enormous team of artists — and the greatest artists. A good thing about absolute monarchy is to be able to gather all the best people at the same place,” Salomé stressed.

Today the Palace contains 2,300 rooms spread over 63,154 square meters (679,784 square feet).

The historical gallery also offers the opportunity to discover anecdotes about the Palace’s life — like some panels in the “Chinese chamber” of Queen Marie Leszczynska, Louis XV’s wife, that she in part painted herself.

In the last rooms, visitors can see the famous desk where the 1919 Treaty of Versailles was signed that formally ended World War I, as well as photos and archival video of heads of states and royalty honored at the palace during the 20th century.

“The idea is also to show that there is a gradual transformation of the Château de Versailles, which has always remained alive through the centuries, from its creation to the present day,” Salomé said.

King Charles and Queen Camilla Poised For State Banquet at Palace of Versailles as Rescheduled Tour Goes Ahead

The royal couple is packing a lot into their three-day trip to France.

“The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to France, from Wednesday 20th to Friday 22nd September 2023. The visit will celebrate the United Kingdom’s relationship with France, marking our shared histories, culture and values,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement today. Highlights of the three-day program include a State Banquet hosted at the iconic Palace of Versailles by President Macron and Mrs. Macron, and a tour of an organic vineyard in Bordeaux. The King will also become the first British royal to address the National Assembly from the French Senate, with his speech expected to include sections in French.

The trip is a chance to exercise the “soft power” of the royal family when it comes to relationships with European countries in the post-Brexit era. It follows the successful visit to Germany in March, which a Foreign Office source told reporters this week that Britain was still realizing very real benefits from. The source also pointed out that the speed with which the France state visit was rescheduled was testament to the importance of the trip to both countries.

The banquet at the Palace of Versailles, which will take place on the evening of the first day, will see Charles follow in the footsteps of his mother Queen Elizabeth, who visited the Palace in 1957 during her first state visit to France . Received by President René Coty, the then young Queen attended lunch in the Hall of Mirrors.

Other engagements on the agenda for Charles in Paris include a bilateral meeting with President Macron at the Elysée Palace and a sustainability reception to hear more about how business leaders plan to invest to combat climate change. Queen Camilla will join Mrs. Macron launching a new Franco-British literary prize. In Bordeaux, the royals will meet emergency workers and communities affected by 2022 wildfires as well as hearing about how UK and French military personnel are collaborating on defense.

Charles and Camilla’s original trip was cancelled due to mass protests in France over Macron’s unpopular pension reform.

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

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King Charles to Visit France in September, After Protests Forced Delay

The British monarch was supposed to make the trip in March, but widespread demonstrations over a change in the French retirement age scuttled the plan.

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By Isabella Kwai

Reporting from London

King Charles III of Britain announced plans on Thursday for a visit to France next month, his first trip to the country as monarch, after widespread demonstrations postponed a visit planned earlier this year and caused an awkward moment for President Emmanuel Macron.

The British monarch and his wife, Queen Camilla, will visit Paris and Bordeaux from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22, Buckingham Palace said, adding that it would be a celebration of “the shared history, culture and values of the United Kingdom and France.”

The French president had originally intended to host King Charles in March, in one of the king’s first overseas trips as Britain’s head of state. On the heels of a visit from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the plan for King Charles’s trip was a signal of a warming in the relationship between the two countries , which has been strained in the years since Britain formally left the European Union in 2021.

But an outpouring of anger in March over a plan by Mr. Macron to raise the retirement age in France to 64 from 62 spurred huge street demonstrations and strikes , some of which turned violent. The strikes also disrupted train services, causing concerns over the travel logistics.

A state visit in the midst of the demonstrations would have been a mistake, Mr. Macron said at the time, adding that the trip would be rescheduled . Instead, Charles went to Germany for a three-day state visit for his first official overseas trip as a king.

Opposition lawmakers in France had used the plans for the March visit — which had included a state banquet just outside Paris at the Château de Versailles, the former residence of kings and queens — as evidence that Mr. Macron was out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people. Protesters announced plans to block the path of a tramway on the king’s scheduled route.

France has faced convulsive protests on several issues this year, forcing Mr. Macron to repeatedly postpone diplomatic plans in order to focus on domestic issues. Earlier this summer, Mr. Macron delayed a state visit to Germany after anger at the deadly police shooting of a 17-year-old outside Paris touched off unrest and riots across France.

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

Smiling King Charles visits cancer centre on his return to public duties

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King Charles Will Return to Royal Duties With a Visit to a Cancer Center

By Erin Vanderhoof

Nearly three months after announcing a cancer diagnosis , King Charles III is getting ready to return to royal duties. On Friday, Buckingham Palace announced that he would return to public engagements next week, and his first event will be a trip to a medical clinic focused on cancer with Queen Camilla.

“His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis,” the palace statement read. “To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment center 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.” These engagements will include a state visit by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, set to take place in June.

The announcement came alongside the release of a new official portrait of the couple on their 19th wedding anniversary on April 10. Taken by Millie Pilkington, it shows the king and queen walking in the gardens at Buckingham Palace. The palace statement also mentioned the upcoming anniversary of King Charles’s 2023 coronation and thanked the public for their support since the big event. “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,” it read.

The king said that he would be taking a break from public duties when he announced his diagnosis with an unspecified form of cancer on February 5. The cancer was discovered during a workup for a procedure to treat benign prostate cancer at the London Clinic, though Vanity Fair confirmed at the time that the king was not suffering from prostate cancer. Though the king did not conduct any public engagement while he was undergoing outpatient treatment, he did continue to receive his daily red box delivery of government papers and also hosted small meetings at Buckingham Palace.

Earlier this week, V.F. reported that king had planned to resume public duties as soon as next month and that his treatment was going well “At the moment HRH is doing very well and responding very well to treatment,” the source said. “He is very keen to get back to public-facing duties before June if he can. He is doing well but is frustrated more than anything else that he has had to take time off. He is being a good patient but not always a patient one.”

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King Charles Steps Out for First Public Outing Since His Cancer Diagnosis Alongside Queen Camilla

The monarch's doctors are "sufficiently pleased with the progress" he has made thus far, allowing for the visit to a research center and hospital to proceed

King Charles has returned to public-facing duties amid his ongoing cancer treatment.

On April 30, the monarch, 75, accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla , 76, visited a cancer hospital in London. During the poignant outing, they spent around an hour meeting with medical specialists and patients to emphasize the importance of early cancer detection and learn more about the support on offer.

The visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre marks King Charles' first official public engagement since his cancer diagnosis was announced on Feb. 5. Following his diagnosis, he has continued working behind the scenes and hosting  small audiences . He also  greeted well-wishers  after attending a church service on Easter Sunday.

While the hospital has not been directly involved in the monarch's medical care, highlighting the importance of early detection was one of the reasons King Charles went public with his cancer diagnosis. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously stated that this decision was made "in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

As he stepped out of his maroon Bentley upon arrival, the King waved to well-wishers — some of whom craned their necks out of open windows above — and acknowledged the good wishes of the media who called out, “How are you feeling?”

“I felt pleased for the King," loyal royalist John Loughrey, 69, told PEOPLE outside the hospital. "For me, it’s nice to see him back, and we all missed him. He’s come here today to see people who’ve got cancer and show that he — and they’re — not alone.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla stopped to wave to the cameras before being greeted by senior hospital staff and dignitaries. Inside, the monarch was welcomed by cheers from ranks of hospital staff gathered in the main central hall.

The palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer that King Charles has (beyond stating that he does not have prostate cancer).

Royal aides also stressed Tuesday that while his appearance in public shows that people can continue to work with cancer — and return to work when they’re advised as able to do so by doctors — everyone has their own path to follow as they are treated for the condition.

The University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, which has been open for 12 years, provides facilities for diagnosing and treating a wide range of cancer and non-cancer conditions. Additionally, it offers crucial support to patients and their families.

Press Association via AP Images

For King Charles and Queen Camilla, the purpose of their visit was to underscore the significance of early cancer diagnosis and to acknowledge innovative research, some of which is funded by Cancer Research U.K. and conducted at the University College Hospital Macmillan Centre in central London.

Upon arrival, the royal couple met with clinicians and learned about their use of groundbreaking technology such as CT scanners, which aid in early cancer detection.

David Probert, chief executive of University College Hospital London, tells PEOPLE that the monarch was "full of great energy. He engaged positively and, as always, was incredibly enthusiastic with the staff."

"It was a wonderful atmosphere. The energy was high," he adds. "Their Majesties were full of enthusiasm and engaging with the patients and most importantly for our staff. It was very uplifting.” 

Probert said he found King Charles, whom he had met before, "incredibly knowledgeable, and every time I speak to him I learn something new about cancer." The monarch took great interest with the clinical scientists in the basement of the building about the “latest innovations,” he added.

SUZANNE PLUNKETT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

For King Charles to resume his public work at the hospital meant a "huge amount" to the staff, Probert says.

"This has been an incredibly difficult few years for the NHS. We’ve just come off the back of COVID, and we care for many patients with cancer — it’s one of the biggest areas for us— and for the King and Queen to choose to come here was incredibly uplifting," he says.

Probert adds, "We didn’t rehearse our staff to clap and cheer. Everybody was happy and keen to meet the King and Queen — you could just tell by the smiles and the enthusiastic comments that they were talking to someone who’s himself been through a difficult time."

Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles, the new Patron of Cancer Research U.K., took the opportunity to meet the charity’s Chief Clinician, Professor Charlie Swanton. Swanton has spearheaded a collaboration with 250 researchers and clinicians based at 19 centers across the U.K. Their research focuses on understanding the evolution of lung cancer over time and the reasons behind treatment ineffectiveness.

While King Charles has assumed this new patronage, his wife is actively involved in combating cancer and its impact on families. As president of Maggie’s cancer charity, one of her core causes, she oversees the provision of expert care and support, free of charge, at centers across the U.K. and online for individuals with cancer, as well as their friends and families. Since assuming the role of president, she has made regular visits to centers throughout the U.K. and inaugurated a new Maggie’s center at London's Royal Free Hospital in January 2024.

As they left the hospital, King Charles and Queen Camilla were handed flowers by Della Thomas, 6, and Ellis Edwards, 11, who are patients at the hospital. The royal couple had gifts of their own for the youngsters: some books for Ellis and a bag of goodies for Della, including a toy version of Camilla's rescue dog Beth and a large chocolate coin.

Buckingham Palace announced encouraging news on April 26, revealing that this outing would be the first of several engagements planned for King Charles in the coming weeks. These engagements include hosting a state visit at Buckingham Palace for the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June.

The palace also provided an update on the King's ongoing treatment, sharing a positive sentiment from his doctors.

"His Majesty’s treatment program will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.

The palace did not disclose when the King’s treatment might be completed.

"It is too early to say, but His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery," the spokesperson explained.

As for how he's feeling, the palace added that he's "greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise."

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?  Sign up for our free Royals newsletter  to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

King Charles isn't the only member of the royal family undergoing cancer treatment. His daughter-in-law Kate Middleton revealed her cancer diagnosis last month after weeks of speculation about her health. In an emotional video announcement , she shared a personal message with those affected by the disease.

"At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope," she said. "You are not alone." 

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King Charles speaks to cancer patients on first public engagement since diagnosis

Charles spoke about need for early diagnosis during a visit to University College hospital in London

King Charles told patients that he was well during a visit to a London cancer treatment centre where he also spoke of the “shock” of receiving a cancer diagnosis.

On his first public-facing engagement since his diagnosis, he and the queen met cancer specialists and patients receiving chemotherapy at the University College hospital’s Macmillan Cancer Centre in a visit aimed at highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.

He sympathised with one cancer patient as she received her chemotherapy with many others in a day unit, telling Lesley Woodbridge, 63: “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.”

Asked about his health, the 75-year-old monarch told one patient: “I’m all right, thank you very much, not too bad.” Asha Millen, 60, said that the king had said “I’m well” when she asked him how he was.

He looked to be in good spirits during the visit, where he and Camilla learned about some of the latest treatments and spoke to patients receiving treatment. He said the challenge was to “get enough people early”.

Charles’s treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, which was announced in February, is continuing. After three months of outpatient treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Friday that doctors were sufficiently encouraged by his positive progress to advise him that he could resume some public-facing duties.

He was said to be keen that his first engagement since doctors allowed a return to public events would raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis. Aides said he also wanted to show it was possible to work with cancer, although he appreciated that everyone has their own journey and it is not for everyone.

The hospital chosen for the visit is not understood to have links to his own treatment, details of which have not been publicly disclosed.

The couple were met by the chair of University College London hospitals (UCLH) NHS foundation trust, Julia Neuberger, and the trust’s chief executive, David Probert.

Before the visit it was announced the king had been named as a new patron of Cancer Research UK. He is also a longstanding patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, whose chief executive, Gemma Peters, was among those to meet the king and queen on Tuesday.

Peters said: “In choosing today’s engagement to highlight cancer innovation, treatment and support, their majesties continue to help raise awareness and encourage the millions of people who are facing cancer to seek the support they need.

“We hear from people every day who are returning to work after cancer treatment – it’s different for everyone and can be a daunting time. Macmillan can help, whether you need practical advice, support or just a listening ear.”

According to Macmillan, there has been a big surge in visits to its website since the king’s cancer diagnosis in February. The charity has also had a 75% increase in volunteer applications to the charity compared with the same period in 2023.

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King Charles is back at work after cancer diagnosis. He looks good.

LONDON — King Charles III is back at work. It’s been three months since he told Britain he has cancer. He’s been getting treatment. He looked good.

His first outing in the public eye on Tuesday was a symbolic one, a visit to a cancer hospital in the capital, where he spoke with staff, marveled at the CT scanner and met with patients.

He took the stairs, not the elevator.

He sat with one woman, her head wrapped in a scarf, in a set of those plastic chairs they have in waiting rooms. She was attached to an IV drip. He held hands with another patient.

Charles was asked by a patient how he felt. “I’m all right, thanks. Not too bad,” the king replied, according to the royal press pool.

To another patient, Charles said, “It’s always a bit of a shock isn’t it, when they tell you.” He was talking about his own diagnosis.

Charles is the monarch, but he has entered another realm and is now a cancer patient as well. This has unnerved the nation, but the photos of him out again in public appeared welcome.

Yes, the king looked good.

Charles assumed the throne upon his mother’s death of “old age” in September 2022. She was 96. In March, the 42-year-old Catherine, Princess of Wales , wife to Prince William, heir to the throne, revealed that she, too, has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatment.

The palace has not revealed what kind of cancer the king has, except to say it is not prostate cancer, nor has Buckingham Palace given information about his treatment, except to say he is still receiving it.

He and Queen Camilla arrived at University College Hospital via the Royal Bentley. Charles was dressed in a blue pinstripe suit, with a polka-dot tie and a blue pocket square.

He smiled — a lot.

British media splashed photos and video of the event because — to be honest — the big question is: How does the king look?

Charles is 75. Before his diagnosis, he was a remarkably fit man, a keen gardener who mostly avoids meat, enjoys fish and eats vegetarian one day a week. Unlike many members of his family, he never smoked.

Average life expectancy for a British male is 79 (for an American male, it’s just 73).

Charles waved to photographers outside the hospital, and then jammed his left hand into his coat pocket, a familiar pose.

He received warm applause when he arrived. Upon leaving, the couple were given bouquets.

It was announced that in addition to his other duties, Charles will now serve as patron of Cancer Research UK.

On Friday, the palace released a statement that the king’s treatment program will continue, “but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.”

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

In 2023, the Court Circular, a kind of diary, had Charles attending 425 royal engagements, both public and private, according to a count by the Daily Telegraph. In normal times, in the course of the year, there would be one or two state dinners for a visiting head of state, plus trips abroad.

Charles liked to attend international conferences, especially those to combat climate change. There are also frequent investitures — when a royal bestows an honor on a citizen, such as a knighthood — and there are many ribbon cuttings, appearances at cultural and sports events, and visits to tend to patronages.

King Charles talks about his health as he holds hands with cancer patients on return to public duties

The King was asked how he was feeling while on a visit to a cancer treatment centre in London with the Queen.

Royal correspondent @SkyRhiannon

Tuesday 30 April 2024 19:15, UK

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The King has said he is feeling "much better" as he returned to public duties for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.

On his visit with the Queen to a Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, the King held hands with cancer patients.

He was also announced as patron of Cancer Research UK, and takes over the role from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth .

The King , who is also patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, replied "much better, thanks" when Sky News asked how he was feeling.

Speaking to a patient who was undergoing chemotherapy, the King described his "shock" at the diagnosis.

"It's always a bit of a shock, isn't it, when they tell you?" he said, adding: "I've got to have my treatment this afternoon as well."

It was his first public outing since doctors told him to avoid public-facing duties while having cancer treatment.

On Friday, the Palace said he was "greatly encouraged" to be given the green light to return to some public-facing duties.

However, sources stressed the King still has cancer and will continue to be treated for an undisclosed form of the disease.

It is hoped his visit will draw attention to the importance of early diagnosis, as well as innovative treatments and research at the hospital supported by Cancer Research UK.

The King also met the team behind a project called TRACERx, the single biggest investment in lung cancer research by Cancer Research UK.

It aims to investigate how lung cancer evolves and why treatments sometimes stop working.

The royals also gave presents to children on their way out - and received some flowers in return.

Visit has been boost for King whose wings have been clipped from getting out and about

Royal correspondent

It may be a standard part of royal life, the meeting and greeting, but after being told he had to stop because of his cancer diagnosis I suspect it has hit King Charles more than most.

So to finally be back to public duties, with his wife Camilla beside him, he must have felt a sense of relief that he could again do what he enjoys most.

He certainly seemed pleased to be there when I asked him how he was feeling. And this time with a new sense of purpose.

His openness about his cancer diagnosis has had a huge impact on cancer charities, many reporting an increase in the number of people calling for check-ups or making enquiries about support.

It has also been a boost for him. At a time when his wings have been clipped from getting out and about, he has been delighted that he can still make some kind of difference when it comes to this public health messaging.

Read more on Rhiannon's analysis here

The King announced he had cancer at the beginning of February.

Since then, charities have praised his openness and the impact it has had on raising awareness, along with the Princess of Wales talking about her own diagnosis.

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Ahead of Tuesday's visit, a Palace spokesperson said: "His Majesty's treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that the King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties."

They added: "Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty's continued recovery."

The King has continued constitutional work behind the scenes and has held small meetings inside the palace, including with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak .

At Easter, he made a point of greeting crowds at St George's Chapel in Windsor - seen as a hint that more public-facing engagements could soon follow.

Palace officials continue to plan for a busy summer and autumn but will work around the caveat that plans might need to change depending on the King's health and doctors' advice.

Read more from Sky News: Prince Harry returning to UK for visit William reveals Charlotte's favourite 'dad joke'

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The summer months are always a busy period for the Royal Family with events such as Trooping the Colour, Garter Day, and Royal Ascot.

There is also the prospect of overseas travel towards the end of the year, as Samoa is hosting the biennial meeting of Commonwealth leaders.

Related Topics

• Royal Family

King Charles to make first public visit since his cancer diagnosis

• Royal family
• Tuesday 30 April 2024 at 6:43am

Royal Editor

It is something he has been itching to do for months, and finally today King Charles will return to public-facing engagements following the green light from his doctors.

The King and Queen Camilla will jointly visit a cancer treatment centre to meet patients and staff.

Charles, who still has cancer and is continuing to receive treatment for it , has been forced to restrict himself to the work of the head of state behind palace walls since his cancer diagnosis was made public in February.

He has been able to do the red boxes of state papers and hold limited audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other guests, but public events have been strictly off limits.

It is Queen Camilla who has kept the royal show on the public road , attending big events such as the Royal Maundy and Commonwealth Day services without her husband.

But the King has reached a stage of his treatment where doctors are less concerned about his reduced immunity and will assess each new engagement on a case by case basis.

And Buckingham Palace has chosen a cancer treatment centre for the King's return to public events so that he can keep cancer awareness high on the agenda.

In the UK, one in two people will have a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime and the King wants the publicity around his own condition to help others by promoting early diagnosis.

No final decisions have yet been made about other big royal events in the summer , such as Royal Ascot and Trooping the Colour - his own birthday parade.

However, it's understood that the King's staff are hoping he will still be able to make the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where big commemorations have been planned on both sides of the English Channel.

The King's public diary will now be assessed so his doctors can work out which events they are happy for him to attend and which they are not.

But for a workaholic King, who has been frustrated that he's been unable to do his full job, it's an important moment on the long path from diagnosis towards recovery.

This is the Royal Rota - our weekly podcast about the royal family, with ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship and Producer Lizzie Robinson

Watch CBS News

King Charles returns to public work with a visit to a London cancer center

By Holly Williams , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 30, 2024 / 12:05 PM EDT / CBS News

London  — Britain's King Charles III returned to his official public duties Tuesday for the first time since he started undergoing treatment for cancer in February. Charles and Queen Camilla visited a hospital and specialist cancer treatment center to lend their to support to the staff and patients there.

Buckingham Palace announced the king's imminent return to work in a statement on Friday, adding that the king's doctors were "very encouraged by the progress made so far" in his treatment for an unspecified cancer.

The king and queen visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London on Tuesday, where he met patients and doctors. The monarch appeared happy and healthy as he greeted well-wishers outside before going into the treatment center to meet patients and staff.

Buckingham Palace has not said where the monarch, who has become the new Patron of the Cancer Research U.K. charity, is undergoing his own treatment, or what that treatment entails.

Charles' daughter-in-law Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is also undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer —  news she shared in a video message released in March amid rampant speculation.

Kate, as she's most often known, and her husband Prince William have requested privacy as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy following doctors' discovery that cancer had been present. They made that discovery through tests carried out following a major abdominal surgery that Kate had in January.

There have been no updates on the Princess of Wales' treatment from Kensington Palace, she and William's official residence.

While Tuesday marked an official return to public-facing duties for the king, Charles did greet well-wishers after attending an Easter church service at the end of March.

Buckingham Palace has said he may attend some upcoming annual events, too, including the "Trooping the Color" military parade and commemorations around the 80th anniversary of the World War II allied D-Day landings in France, both of which come in June.   Charles and Camilla will not, however, host Japan's Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako when the fellow royals visit London in late June.

• King Charles III
• British Royal Family
• Kate Middleton
• United Kingdom
• Catherine Princess of Wales

Holly Williams is a CBS News senior foreign correspondent based in the network's CBS London bureau.

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