What does King’s return to public duties mean?
The King is to return to public duties after responding well to cancer treatment.
To mark the milestone, the King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients.
Charles, 75, then hopes to plough on with a programme of summer engagements, from Buckingham Palace garden parties to Royal Ascot.
However, royal aides have urged caution, noting that the monarch’s treatment continues and that visits will be adapted to take his illness into account.
Does the King still have cancer? Has his treatment finished?
The King is responding well to treatment but is not yet cured. A Buckingham Palace spokesman 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. Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
How long will the King’s treatment continue?
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “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.”
Will the King return to a normal programme of events over the coming months?
Buckingham Palace has been careful not to make any promises, mindful that there could be good days and bad days for the King.
He is not expected to resume a full programme but will do as much as he can. Aides are planning for at least one Buckingham Palace garden party appearance and a “significant” amount of attendance at Ascot.
A palace spokesman said: “Any public-facing engagements will be announced nearer the time in the usual way and will remain subject to doctors’ advice, but it will not be a full summer programme.
“His Majesty will of course continue with all official state business and selected audiences, as he has done throughout his period of treatment.”
Will the King undertake public engagements indoors?
Yes, the King is hoping to resume a schedule akin to his normal diary, albeit with caveats to allow for his health.
Each engagement will be reviewed and managed carefully, with factors such as the potential for downtime, the number of people he would be expected to meet and what kind of accommodation is available, all taken into account.
Royal sources stressed that the focus was on the potential risks rather than what the King was capable of.
Recommended
King Charles takes first positive step in long journey to cancer recovery
Is there a concern that the King is taking on too much, too quickly?
Every aspect of the King’s programme will be reviewed by his doctors, with nothing left to chance.
A palace spokesman said: “The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”
When is the Japanese state visit and what will it entail?
The visit will take place at the end of June although the specific dates are not being released.
There are usually two state visits by foreign heads of state per year that typically last three or four days.
They traditionally begin with a ceremonial welcome and an inspection of the guard. A state banquet for approximately 170 guests is held on the first night, while the rest of the visit comprises a series of engagements including meetings with ministers and leaders of commerce and industry.
There is often a viewing of items from the royal collection pertaining to the country in question.
Will we see the King at Trooping the Colour?
The King is said to be determined to attend his official birthday parade on June 15 and aides have been exploring ways in which he could take part while avoiding any undue risk to his health.
Options included watching the pomp and the pageantry from a podium, rather than on horseback, and being driven from Buckingham Palace in a carriage.
Will the King visit Australia and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa?
The King is hoping to make the trip in October but aides insist that it is impossible to confirm this far in advance.
A palace spokesman said: “All future plans remain subject to doctors’ advice nearer the time, with appropriate adaptations made where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
Will the palace reveal specific details about the type of cancer the King has or his course of treatment?
No. The King confirmed on February 5 that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following treatment for an enlarged prostate but has opted not to provide specifics.
The palace has urged the public not to speculate, noting that the King is entitled to medical privacy.
He chose to share his diagnosis in the hope it may assist public understanding of all those around the world who are affected by cancer.
How is the King feeling?
A palace spokesman said: “His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise.”
