'Sensitive' King Charles' deliberate move to prove he's ready to return to work
The King made a triumphant return to the public stage on Tuesday, 30 April as he visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre alongside Queen Camilla.
This return saw the King warmly talk to and hold hands with many cancer patients, while also speaking with experts at the centre. The monarch was praised by many for the high-spirited way he has tackled his diagnosis with former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond telling OK!: "It was the perfect place to return. I think the King looked very well as he arrived at the hospital.
"He deliberately lingered at the entrance making sure the cameras and the public got a good view of him. He knew this was an important moment."
On the King's determination to get back to fuller diary, Jennie adds: "There’s no doubt that he has been eager to return to work, and medical opinion would back him. According to a senior oncologist, one of the most positive things you can do when you are suffering from cancer is to focus on getting things back to normal as quickly as possible.
"And, for the King, that means getting back on the road and carrying out engagements like this. I think it will also have been cathartic all round. The fellow cancer patients he met at the centre will know that he genuinely empathises with them and understands what they’re going through.
"Those feelings will be mutual. The King will probably have been encouraged by hearing about the innovations in treatment at this cutting edge hospital which is at the forefront of cancer research. And he will no doubt have been comforted by hearing some of the success stories of the people he met.
"He is a sensitive man who can sometimes be prone to melancholy. But this visit will have been up-lifting. And, of course, we saw his darling wife, Queen Camilla, at his side, mightily relieved, no doubt, to be part of a dual act once again, instead of flying solo as she has done so impressively during the past four months.
"She has been, and is, his rock. And I think his recovery will be hugely strengthened by her loving care and her positive outlook on life."
It was confirmed that King Charles would be making his highly anticipated return to public duties by Buckingham Palace in a statement. It was said that engagements will be "adapted where necessary" for the King, whose medical time are "very encouraged" by his progress.
A Buckingham Palace representative said: “His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.
“Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery. The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”
