King Charles III resumed public duties on Tuesday, marking his first official engagement since a brief hospital visit last week for side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment.
The 76-year-old monarch had postponed engagements on Thursday and Friday following doctors’ advice after experiencing temporary symptoms, Buckingham Palace said. Officials described the hospital visit, which lasted only a few hours, as a “minor bump” in his treatment process.
On Tuesday, Charles appeared in high spirits as he presided over an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, west of London. Among the honorees was reigning world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to athletics.
“He seemed in good spirits,” Johnson-Thompson said after the ceremony. “You know it’s a long day because so many people are being honoured today, but he seems in really good spirits, and I’m happy to see that he’s fit and well.”
Gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh, who was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), also praised the king’s resilience. “His boundless energy is truly remarkable,” Titchmarsh said.
Charles is expected to continue with a full slate of engagements this week, including his regular meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, some appointments have been rescheduled in preparation for an upcoming state visit to Italy, where the king and Queen Camilla are set to travel next week.
The monarch announced his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, though the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed. He returned to public duties within two and a half months and gradually increased his workload throughout the year, making several international visits, including trips to Australia and Samoa.
His diagnosis was followed six weeks later by the revelation that Catherine, Princess of Wales, had also been diagnosed with cancer and had begun chemotherapy. Catherine, the wife of Prince William, the heir to the throne, publicly shared her health struggles in January.
