This new picture of the King is lovely to see but having known him for 40 years I know the secret to his comeback
THIS latest picture of King Charles looking so well with Queen Camilla on the day after their 19th wedding anniversary brought me great joy.
Not just because it is heartening to see our monarch on the mend.
But the truth is I have desperately missed working with him.
After long weeks of worrying about him since those dark days in January when it was announced the King had cancer, I went to Windsor Castle at Easter to photograph him with members of the Royal Family.
And when I was told he was going to do a walkabout after the Easter Sunday church service, I knew then that things were getting better.
His face sparkled and the enthusiasm I have witnessed for more than 40 years was still there. He looked remarkably well.
And when he went and embraced the crowd, shaking their hands, I knew he was back on the mend.
He was finally in touch with the public that he’d missed so much while recovering from his awful illness, post-prostate operation and the cancer treatment.
It has been a hell of a year for King Charles and his devoted Queen, Camilla.
In their statement they reveal how grateful they are for the “many kindnesses and good wishes” they have received during the “joys and challenges of the past year”.
Almost 12 months ago, the coronation was a huge success.
As I photographed the newly crowned King and Queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, they looked at each other and almost seemed to be saying “we’ve done it, we’ve actually done it”.
Charles had such great plans, some of which are already happening, like opening Balmoral to the public this summer and creating a solar farm at his Norfolk estate, Sandringham.
But then came his cancer diagnosis. And the Royal Family was dealt a double blow when the Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery which was followed by her own cancer diagnosis.
Losing two key members of the family — and then William, who had to look after Catherine and the children — added to their woes.
But for these setbacks, I’m sure Charles would have planned much more.
His well-received Christmas broadcast gave no hint of the illness that would strike him down in January.
He’s such an incredibly fit man who exercises, watches his diet and has 97 military uniforms that all still fit.
Timeline of King Charles' health battle
January 17: Buckingham Palace announces the King has been diagnosed with enlarged prostate
January 26: The Sun exclusively photograph the King arriving at The London Clinic for his ‘corrective procedure’
January 29: Seen waving and smiling as he left hospital after an extra night
February 5: Palace reveal while in hospital for his prostate operation doctors discovered the the King has a form of cancer
February 10: King issues ‘heartfelt thanks’ in a written statement
February 21: King tells Rishi Sunak he had been “reduced to tears” by get well cards
March 21: Princess of Wales and King have lunch at Windsor Castle
March 22: Kate announces via video statement that she is being treated for cancer
March 31: King attends Easter Sunday service and tales part in ‘walkabout’ with members of the public and aides say ‘it was a significant step’ as KIng had ‘responded to treatment very encouragingly’
April 4: The Sun exclusively reveals King has ordered aides to ‘supercharge’ his diary for the summer and is ‘raring to go’
April 10: King and Queen embark on break at Birkhall, in Scottish Highlands
April 26: Buckingham Palace announce King will return to public-facing front-line duties
Future:
April 30: King will mark his public comeback by visiting a cancer hospital with the Queen
May 8 and 21: Buckingham Palace Garden Parties
May 21 – 25: Chelsea Flower Show
June 6: 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France and UK
June 15: Trooping the Colour birthday parade in London
June 17: Garter Day parade at Windsor Castle
June 18 – 22: Royal Ascot
Late June: State Visit by Emperor and Empress of Japan
July 3: Holyrood Week in Scotland
October: Two or three week tour of Australia
Charles is also a workaholic.
In spite of his illness, the king has carried out as much work as he possibly can, tackling his red boxes every day.
Where possible, he has held his weekly audience with the Prime Minister and dealt with the comings and goings of ambassadors as well as his Privy Council duties.
But he had to leave his visits and royal engagements to his wife, his son Prince William, brother Edward and his sister Anne.
So, after nearly four months away it’s great to see him planning to be back at work as soon as next week with his visit to a cancer centre.
And the lovely photo that the Palace put out yesterday of the King and Queen looking so happy and relaxed in the garden at Buckingham Palace certainly tells me that we will be working together very soon.
And I, for one, can’t wait.
Everything we know about King Charles' return to work
Q: Does today’s announcement mean King Charles’ cancer treatment has been successful or finished?
A: The King’s treatment programme is ongoing but doctors are “sufficiently pleased” with the progress so far and Charles is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Further royal engagements will be adapted where necessary to cut down on any recovery risks.
Q: How much longer will King Charles receive treatment?
A: While it is too early to say, the King’s medical team are “very encouraged” by progress made so far and remain “positive” about his recovery.
Q: How many engagements will King Charles undertake in the weeks and months ahead.
A: They will be announced nearer the time in the usual manner and will remain under doctor’s advice. It will not be a full summer programme. His Majesty will continue with all official State business and selected Audiences.
Q: Is there a risk King Charles may be taking on too much with these external duties?
A: The King’s schedule will be carefully designed to meet his recovery needs and he will be in close consultation with his medical team.
Q: Will King Charles attend the Birthday Parade, D-Day Commemorations, Garden Parties, Royal Ascot, or an Autumn overseas Tour?
A: Planning continues for ways in which the King and Queen can attend these summer and autumn engagements. All future plans remain under doctor’s advice.
Q: How is King Charles feeling?
A: The Palace said: “His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued car and expertise.”
Charles’ docs are ‘positive’ about King’s cancer recovery
KING Charles’ doctors are “positive” about his cancer recovery as he heads back to work 11 weeks after his diagnosis.
The monarch is well enough to return to front-line public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Palace officials say the King, 75, is still undergoing cancer treatment but his medical team are “very encouraged by the progress” and “remain positive” about his recovery.
Charles will be joined by Camilla, 76, as he chooses to make his public comeback by visiting a cancer hospital to speak to staff and patients, together on Tuesday.
The palace has also confirmed he will host a State Visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan this summer.