King Charles said messages of support had “reduced me to tears,” during his first official appearance since disclosing his cancer diagnosis.
King Charles, aged 75 and currently being treated for cancer, met with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon. This was his first in-person engagement since announcing his cancer diagnosis.
Despite battling cancer, which was discovered during treatment for a non-threatening enlarged prostate, King Charles has continued with his state responsibilities, albeit mostly behind the scenes.
Two weeks prior, King Charles and Sunak had a phone conversation, serving more as a casual catch-up than their usual formal weekly meetings.
This routine was altered on Wednesday, highlighted by the release of photos and video from King Charles’ session with Sunak.
Sunak remarked on how “wonderful” it was to see King Charles in good spirits, eliciting a humorous response from the King: “It’s all done with mirrors.”
The Prime Minister expressed his support, stating, “We’re all behind you. The country’s behind you.”
The King said, “I’ve received so many wonderful messages and cards. They’ve reduced me to tears most of the time.”
Their discussion also turned to the impact of the King’s health news on cancer charities, shining a light on their critical work.
King Charles, with a chuckle, noted, “I hear there’s been a lot more attention and interest in those main, wonderful cancer charities, many of which I’ve been a patron of for years.”
“They do incredible work up and down the country,” Sunak replied. “They do, they do,” the King agreed.
Earlier that day, King Charles had also attended a meeting with his Privy Council.
Following the King’s diagnosis announcement, Sunak optimistically noted that the cancer was detected early.
“Obviously, like everyone else, shocked and sad, and just all our thoughts are with him and his family. Thankfully, this has been caught early,” Sunak told said on February 6, adding that he hopes the King “receives the treatment he needs and makes a full recovery.”
Despite cancelling numerous in-person duties and engagements, King Charles remains intent on making public appearances whenever his treatment schedule allows.
Recently, he attended Sunday church services at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, aged 76.
Since the palace’s announcement of his cancer diagnosis on February 5th, King Charles has predominantly resided at the Sandringham estate belonging to the royal family.
Yet, he has made trips to London for both treatment and to engage in discussions with staff at the palace
