Reigning British monarch, King Charles III, has appeared in public for his first outings since being discharged from the hospital at the beginning of February.
In late January, British king underwent a procedure for an enlarged prostate that forced him to retreat from royal duties for a short period.
King Pictured Smiling Alongside Camilla
After his hospitalization, King Charles was pictured alongside the queen consort, his wife Camilla, as they walked to Church in Sandringham.
The king appeared to be in good spirits as he smiled and waved to the press as they ventured toward St. Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk.
Released from the London Clinic
This was the first time King Charles was spotted in public since his release from the London Clinic on Jan. 29.
Both the king and the Princess of Wales, Catherine, were discharged from the hospital on the same day after going through unrelated procedures.
London Clinic Carries Out Procedure
King Charles was admitted to the hospital for a procedure related to an enlarged prostate.
According to a spokesperson from Buckingham Palace, the problem was described as benign at the time.
Charles Waves to Bystanders
As Charles left the hospital through the front doors, he was met with a plethora of reporters.
While the king didn’t stop to answer any questions, he smiled and waved as his wife walked beside him.
The King Thanks the Medical Team
Buckingham Palace would later issue a statement thanking the hospital for their role in ensuring the king is kept healthy.
“His Majesty would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days,” they wrote (via VOA).
Short Break from Royal Duties
The procedure didn’t appear to have had a lasting effect on the king, as he was pictured attending church on Sunday.
However, reports suggest he will take up to four weeks away from royal duties to recuperate fully.
‘The Fittest Man I Know’
Queen Camilla spoke about the king’s adaptability and strength during an interview in 2020, stating, “He is probably the fittest man of his age I know” (via Hello! Magazine).
She continued, “He’ll walk and walk and walk. He’s like a mountain goat, he leaves everybody miles behind.”
He’s ‘Doing His Best’
Camilla gave a brief description of the king’s current state during a recent event in London.
Speaking at the opening of a cancer support center, she said Charles was “doing his best” (via Hello! Magazine).
Charles Diagnosed with Cancer
Unfortunately, since then, it has been announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
On Feb. 21, Charles met with the British prime minister for the first time since beginning his treatment. “I’ve had so many wonderful messages and cards,” the king told Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (via NBC News). “It’s reduced me to tears most of the time.”
Tests Discover King Has Cancer
Just after his diagnosis was made public on Feb. 6, Charles released a statement of thanks for the public’s support.
“It is … heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the U.K. and the wider world,” Charles wrote (via the BBC).
Treatment Has Already Begun
According to ABC News, “a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” has begun.
The king will “continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual,” said the palace.
