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By Jack Royston
Chief Royal Correspondent
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King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer in February and is back working while his treatment is ongoing.
The monarch, 75, was already nine years past the official U.K. state pension age when he went into The London Clinic for a procedure on an enlarged prostate.
Doctors subsequently diagnosed him with cancer in February but he is already doing public engagements again after doctors were encouraged by the progress of his treatment.
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King Charles' Initial Procedure
King Charles was admitted to The London Clinic on January 26, where he stopped in on Princess Kate, who was at the time recovering from abdominal surgery.
At the time, he was there for a planned procedure on an enlarged prostate which was not thought to be serious.
And he took the highly unusual step of disclosing his diagnosis in the hope of encouraging others to get checked.
"In common with thousands of men each year," the Buckingham Palace announcement read, "the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
Charles Is Diagnosed With Cancer
Following his admission to the hospital, the king was later diagnosed with cancer, though the palace declined to reveal what kind.
"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement," the Buckingham Palace statement said, "a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
"Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."
The King's Return to Work
During his absence from public duties, the king continued to work behind closed doors, including regular face-to-face meetings with the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
He also had a series of additional meetings at Buckingham Palace, including with high commissioners from around the world, and inspected new banknotes bearing his face.
In fact, he did not ever actually require another family member to help complete his "state duties," which included giving royal assent to new laws, for example.
However, on April 26, Buckingham Palace announced the king would be returning to public duties: "His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis."
"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 statement said.
A spokesperson added that it would "not be a full summer programme" and added: "His Majesty's treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.
"Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty's continued recovery."
King Charles Latest Updates
Since the announcement, the king has been out and about in Britain meeting the public again and that has given royal fans the opportunity to ask how he has been getting on.
During his first day back at work, he visited the University College Hospital (UCLH) Macmillan Cancer Centre where he was asked how he was doing and said: "I'm all right, thank you."
On May 9, King Charles visited the Royal Engineer at the Gibraltar Barracks, in Minley, England, where he said: "I do apologize for taking you by surprise. When this opportunity appeared and I had been allowed out of my cage, I wanted to come to have a look."
The engagement had been planned around a week in advance, giving an insight into just how late in the day his summer program had been put together.
Queen Camilla also said he is "getting better" during a visit to Rye, in Southeast England, on May 16.
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on Twitter at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about Charles, Camilla, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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