In his first major public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer, King Charles greeted well-wishers outside St George's Chapel after an Easter Sunday service in Windsor. Accompanied by Queen Camilla, the King engaged with the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging words with those gathered.
Absentee Royals
Notably absent from the event were the Prince and Princess of Wales, as Catherine continues her cancer treatment. While the King has continued some work since his diagnosis, all engagements thus far have taken place in private.
Surprising the Crowds
The 75-year-old King surprised waiting crowds by stepping out of the chapel and engaging with them directly. Despite the chilly weather, he took the time to chat with well-wishers and expressed gratitude for their support.
Careful Return to the Public Eye
This outing does not signal a full return to public duties for the King but rather a cautious step back into the spotlight. The BBC understands that this appearance was a carefully planned reintroduction to public life.
Family Presence at the Service
Earlier, the King arrived for the service with Queen Camilla, and other members of the royal family were also in attendance. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, their son James, Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of York were all seen arriving at the chapel.
Health Challenges
The King's cancer diagnosis came to light while he was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate earlier this year. While the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, Buckingham Palace confirmed that it is not prostate cancer.
Family Support
The King's absence from public events has been felt throughout the royal family. Queen Camilla has taken on more responsibilities in his stead, while Prince William has continued with projects such as Earthshot and Homewards.
Looking Ahead
As the royal family navigates these health challenges, the future of key events such as Trooping the Colour remains uncertain. However, the King's presence at the Easter service signals a hopeful step forward as he continues his treatment and recovery journey.
