Royals

King Charles and Queen Camilla Return to London for Cancer Treatment

The royals were spotted arriving at Clarence House Tuesday.
King Charles and Queen Camilla Return to London for Cancer Treatment
From Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images.

King Charles III is on the move. Charles and Queen Camilla returned to their London residence, Clarence House, on Tuesday, to continue Charles’s cancer treatments and attend to state paperwork and meetings.

Charles, 75, has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace announced on February 5. The palace did not specify what type of cancer the monarch has, but did share that the disease was discovered while Charles was receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate.

After advice from his medical team, Charles has postponed all of his public-facing engagements for the time being. He and 76-year-old Camilla spent the weekend at their home in Sandringham, Norfolk, where they waved at onlookers as they headed to St. Mary Magdalene Church on Sunday.

Over the weekend, the king issued his first public statement acknowledging his cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment. He thanked the public for their well-wishes in the statement, which was released online by Buckingham Palace.

“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” he wrote. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”

“It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

Charles isn’t the only member of the royal family who has been removed from the roster for public engagements as of late: Charles’s daughter-in-law Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery in January, the recovery from which will keep her away from public duties until the Easter holidays. Her husband Prince William is now back at work amid the major health news from his father and wife, albeit reportedly not in a full-time capacity, allowing him more time with his ailing family members and three children.

Charles is reportedly “frustrated” by the diagnosis’ impact on his ability to work, but optimistic about treatment. Camilla, meanwhile, has been a public-facing representative for the family. Last week, when inclement weather grounded her helicopter, she reportedly opted to drive six-plus hours rather than cancel her planned public engagement. According to an unnamed source speaking to the UK’s Telegraph, “She did not want to let down the king, having assured him that she would continue with her schedule of official engagements.”