King Charles Spotted in Public as Harry Visits Following Cancer Diagnosis

By Michael Holden and Sarah Young

King Charles was seen in public for the first time on Tuesday following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis, as his estranged son, Prince Harry, traveled to the UK to visit him.

The 75-year-old monarch, who has been on the throne for less than 18 months since the passing of Queen Elizabeth, was diagnosed with the illness, prompting Buckingham Palace to announce that he would be postponing public engagements to undergo treatment.

On Tuesday afternoon, Charles waved to onlookers as he made the short journey from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace. He and his wife, Queen Camilla, then took a helicopter to Sandringham estate in rural eastern England to begin his recovery.

Before Charles left, Harry was seen arriving at Clarence House for a brief reunion with his father, according to reports. However, a royal source indicated that there were no plans for Harry to meet with his older brother, Prince William, during this visit. William is expected to take on some of the royal duties while Charles undergoes outpatient treatments.

The palace has conveyed that the king remains "wholly positive," and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the cancer was detected early. Despite his diagnosis, Charles intends to continue much of his private work, including his weekly meetings with the prime minister and handling state paperwork, with Sunak confirming he stays in regular contact with the king.

The cancer was discovered after Charles spent three nights in the hospital last month for a procedure to address a benign enlarged prostate. The palace has confirmed that it is not prostate cancer, but has not disclosed further details. Typically, the royal family keeps medical matters private, but Charles opted to go public due to his role as the patron of several cancer-related charities.

His diagnosis is likely to highlight the increasing cancer waiting times within the UK’s National Health Service, which is perceived to be in crisis. Reported survival rates for cancer in Britain lag behind those of other European nations for most common types of the disease.

This recent revelation comes as another personal setback for Charles during his brief time as king. Last year, Harry published his autobiography, which included controversial revelations about his father and brother, while Charles has also dealt with continuing allegations involving his brother, Prince Andrew, related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Harry returned from California, where he lives with his wife Meghan and their two children, to support his father after learning about his diagnosis. Meanwhile, Kate, the Princess of Wales and William’s wife, is recovering at home after undergoing surgery for a non-cancerous condition. She is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter, placing additional responsibilities on other working royals.

Charles has expressed a desire for a more streamlined monarchy; however, with both his younger brother Andrew and Harry no longer participating, the majority of those handling royal responsibilities are over the age of 50, with some in their 80s.

Royal biographer Matthew Dennison noted that Charles, known for his work ethic, will likely be eager to resume public duties.