King Charles III Attends First Public Engagement Since Cancer Diagnosis

King Charles stepped out with Queen Camilla for his first official public event.

King Charles III had a celebratory return to public duties on Tuesday. The 75-year-old British monarch made an official public appearance with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, England. 

This marks Charles' first public appearance outside of palace walls since he announced his cancer diagnosis in February.

Charles, who is still undergoing treatment after being diagnosed, has become the new patron of Cancer Research U.K. and is seeking to raise awareness about early screenings. 

King Charles III meets with patient Asha Millan during a visit at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on April 30, 2024 in London, England. - Suzanne Plunkett - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Charles met with fellow cancer patients, telling them that his own diagnosis was a "shock," and that he is "fine" and "not too bad," per royal reporters. 

Charles accepted a sweet posy bouquet from a little girl outside of the facility. He also shared that following his official engagement, he was going in for continued treatment.

Buckingham Palace previously shared that Charles plans to make "a number" of public events in the next few weeks. The royal couple also plan to host the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June. 

"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," the Palace shared in a statement. 

King Charles III during a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on April 30, 2024 in London, England. - Samir Hussein/WireImage

As for the state of the king's health, royal expert Katie Nicholl previously told ET that Charles' recent activities show that he is on the mend. 

"There have been claims in some media outlets that the king is not doing well in his cancer battle. I think the announcements out of the palace and... the king's imminent return to public duties should stop such nonsense in it's track, quite frankly," Nicholl said.

Meanwhile, Charles' eldest son, Prince William, spent the day in Seaham, England, visiting Low Carbon Materials, the 2022 Earthshot Prize finalists. William's wife, Kate Middleton, is battling her own cancer privately and has temporarily stepped away from public duties while undergoing treatment. 

One month after Charles' news, his daughter-in-law released a video message sharing that she too had been diagnosed with cancer and was seeking treatment. The mother of three has not had any public events since December. 

Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for a photograph ahead of The Diplomatic Reception in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 5, 2023 in London, England. - Chris Jackson/Getty Images For Buckingham Palace

Kate spoke with Charles prior to the news of her own diagnosis going public. 

"The king had lunch with Catherine… in Windsor after she recorded [her video] message," Nicholl previously told ET. "That's quite special, I don't think you get to have many one-to-one audiences with the king. I think that's an indication of how close they are and certainly this shared experience, this shock double cancer diagnosis will only bring them closer."

Kate said the news of her cancer diagnosis came as a "huge shock" to the royal family. She explained that she and William endeavored to manage the situation privately for the sake of their young children -- Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 6. 

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