King Charles is seen with beaming Camilla for first time since monarch announced his return to public duties
KING Charles and Queen Camilla have been seen for first time since their announcement the monarch would return to public duties.
The Royal couple smiled side by side as they arrived to attend Sunday Service at Crathie Church in Aberdeen this morning.
It is the first time the pair have been spotted since Buckingham Palace revealed the King would be returning to public-facing duties.
His Majesty, 75, has chosen to make his public comeback by visiting a cancer hospital to speak to staff and patients with Camilla, 76, on Tuesday.
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
Palace official
It is understood the King, as patron of MacMillan Cancer Support, wants the visit to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research supported by Cancer Research UK, which is taking place at the hospital.
The palace has also confirmed he will host a State Visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan this summer.
Palace officials announced Charles is still undergoing cancer treatment but his medical team are “very encouraged by the progress” and “remain positive” about his recovery.
Future enagements
April 30: King will mark his public comeback by visiting a cancer hospital with the Queen
May 8 and 21: Buckingham Palace Garden Parties
May 21 – 25: Chelsea Flower Show
June 6: 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France and UK
June 15: Trooping the Colour birthday parade in London
June 17: Garter Day parade at Windsor Castle
June 18 – 22: Royal Ascot
Late June: State Visit by Emperor and Empress of Japan
July 3: Holyrood Week in Scotland
October: Two or three week tour of Austral
SUMMER SCHEDULE
It means other important upcoming outdoor engagements such as Royal Ascot, Trooping the Colour and the Buckingham Palace Garden Party are all possibly on the cards.
It confirms The Sun’s exclusive story three weeks ago when we revealed the King had told aides he was “raring to go” and ordered staff to “supercharge” his diary for the summer.
A palace spokesperson added: “Planning continues for ways in which Their Majesties may attend such summer and autumn engagements, though nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed at this stage.
“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.”
It is understood the King’s programme will be “carefully calibrated” with his medical team as his recovery continues.
The spokesperson 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.”
It comes after His Majesty bravely opened up about his diagnosis in February this year after the disease was spotted during a his prostate operation.
Charles has taken a step back from royal duties while he undergoes outpatient cancer treatment in London.
However, he has still been carrying out official State business and selected Audiences throughout his recovery programme.
Everything we know about King Charles' return to work
Q: Does today’s announcement mean King Charles’ cancer treatment has been successful or finished?
A: The King’s treatment programme is ongoing but doctors are “sufficiently pleased” with the progress so far and Charles is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Further royal engagements will be adapted where necessary to cut down on any recovery risks.
Q: How much longer will King Charles receive treatment?
A: While it is too early to say, the King’s medical team are “very encouraged” by progress made so far and remain “positive” about his recovery.
Q: How many engagements will King Charles undertake in the weeks and months ahead.
A: They will be announced nearer the time in the usual manner and will remain under doctor’s advice. It will not be a full summer programme. His Majesty will continue with all official State business and selected Audiences.
Q: Is there a risk King Charles may be taking on too much with these external duties?
A: The King’s schedule will be carefully designed to meet his recovery needs and he will be in close consultation with his medical team.
Q: Will King Charles attend the Birthday Parade, D-Day Commemorations, Garden Parties, Royal Ascot, or an Autumn overseas Tour?
A: Planning continues for ways in which the King and Queen can attend these summer and autumn engagements. All future plans remain under doctor’s advice.
Q: How is King Charles feeling?
A: The Palace said: “His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued car and expertise.”
It was also revealed today that Prince Harry is set to return to the UK in days to mark the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games.
The duke will be arriving on May 8 to attend the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.
It honours a decade since the inaugural Invictus Games London in 2014.
It will be his first time in Britain since Princess Kate announced she is receiving treatment for cancer on March 22.
However, wife Meghan’s attendance has not been confirmed yet, alongside their children Archie and Lilibet.