King Charles back to royal duties amid cancer battle
King Charles is back at work amid his cancer battle.
The 75-year-old monarch – whose diagnosis with an undisclosed form of the illness emerged last month – was photographed smiling as he met with UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of the announcement of the Spring Budget on Wednesday. (06.03.24)
Charles shook hands with the politician after having taken a brief break from official royal duties as he started treatment for cancer, which was discovered after he had an operation for an enlarged prostate.
He left Windsor Castle at around 9.30am on Tuesday (05.03.24) and met Mr Hunt for the customary royal pre-budget meeting in the Private Audience room of Buckingham Palace.
It comes after Charles last week missed the memorial service for the late King Constantine of Greece, with Prince William, 41, also pulled out of the service at the last-minute due to a “personal matter”.
Queen Camilla, 76, led the Royal Family at the service in their absence as she keeps taking on more public duties.
Charles has been issuing statements on global matters in the wake of his cancer diagnosis, including one that praised the Ukraine people’s “true valour” to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s onslaught on the country.
He said: “The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire, as the unprovoked attack on their land, their lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic, year.
“Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely.
“Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression. I have felt this personally in the many meetings I have had with Ukrainians since the start of the war, from President Zelensky and Mrs Zelenska, to new army recruits training here in the United Kingdom.
“I continue to be greatly encouraged that the United Kingdom and our allies remain at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need.
“My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.”