KING Charles revealed the “shock” he felt over his cancer diagnosis, as he officially returned to public duties today alongside Queen Camilla.

The monarch, 75, swapped stories and held hands with patients as he visited a cancer treatment centre with the Queen, 76.

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King Charles III meets with patients during a visit at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer CentreCredit: Getty

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King Charles held hands with many fellow cancer sufferersCredit: PA

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King Charles is the patron of Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer SupportCredit: PA

Charles was met with huge cheers from well-wishersCredit: AFP

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Charles and Camilla meet with Lesley Woodbridge, patient receiving the second round of chemotherapy for sarcomaCredit: PA

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The King laughs with Cancer Research UK’s Chief Clinician, Charlie Swanton next to a CT scannerCredit: Getty

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The King meets staff members at the University College HospitalCredit: AFP

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The King, 75, is visiting a cancer treatment centre today to meet with patients and medical staffCredit: PA

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Charles with flowers given to him by a young girlCredit: Alamy
The King, as patron of MacMillan Cancer Support, is making the trip today to highlight the importance of early diagnosis.

It marks his first public engagement since revealing his own diagnosis in February.

The Royal couple also aim to raise awareness of the innovative and tireless research supported by Cancer Research UK.

Further royal engagements will be adapted where necessary to cut down on any recovery risks

A Palace Official

Charles arrived to the centre to huge cheers from hoards of fans and well-wishers.

As he entered he was met with staff of the hospital including Cancer Research UK’s Chief Clinician, Charlie Swanton.

The King then spent time meeting patients – and held hands with several well-wishers.

When asked about his health battle and recovery, His Majesty said it was a “bit of a shock” to be given his cancer diagnosis.

“Not too bad. It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?” He said.

When asked about his own cancer treatment he said: “I’m alright, thank you.”

The King also sympathised with one cancer patient as she received her chemotherapy with many others in a day unit, telling Lesley Woodbridge, 63: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”

As the King and Queen left the hospital they were met outside by a young girl who presented them with flowers in a touching gesture.

In return, Charles gave the young girl a gift bag with the royal crests before he smelt the flowers and tapped her on the shoulder.

It comes after the King was spotted with a beaming Queen Camilla on Sunday, for the first time since the announcement he would return to work.
William helps out at Earthshot charity on same day as Charles’ return to duties after celebrating anniversary with Kate
The Royal couple smiled side by side as they arrived to attend Sunday Service at Crathie Church in Aberdeen.

It follows a statement from Buckingham Palace in which a spokesperson confirmed last week: “This visit [on Tuesday] will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.”

They added: “The King’s medical team are “very encouraged” by progress made so far and remain “positive” about his recovery.”

Meanwhile, Prince William is today visiting an Earthshot Prize finalist firm which makes low-carbon construction materials in Seaham, County Durham.

The Prince, who is the Earthshot founder and president, will first visit LCM’s Research and Development lab where he will be shown how the company creates and tests low carbon concrete.

The King has always kept the door open to Harry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he would invariably get a warm reception

Richard FitzwilliamsRoyal Commentator

Prince William will then visit James’ Place Newcastle to hear about the free, life-saving treatment and support that the charity’s newest centre is stopping male suicide.

This follows a trip he made last week to a school in the West Midlands to highlight the importance of reducing the stigma around mental health in males.

It is understood the Princess of Wales will not be attending as she undergoes her own preventative cancer treatment.

The Royal couple yesterday shared an adorable unseen photo to mark their 13th wedding anniversary – similar to that released by Charles and Camilla to celebrate their 19th.

The royal-mum-of-three courageously shared her diagnosis in an emotional video message last month.

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Prince William is visiting Low Carbon Materials – a 2022 Earthshot Prize FinalistCredit: Getty

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Charles and Camilla waved to fansCredit: Getty

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It is his first engagement since his cancer diagnosisCredit: PA
Meanwhile, King Charles visit today comes days after Buckingham Palace announced the monarch would be returning to public-facing duties.

Since His Majesty bravely revealed his diagnosis in February, he has taken a step back, while still continuing with official State business and selected Audiences.