King Charles will resume his public duties next week following treatment for cancer, Buckingham Palace announced Friday.
Charles took a break from public appearances almost three months ago to focus on his treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.
The palace said Charles would make a public visit to a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday in the first of several appearances he will make in coming weeks. One of his first major engagements will be hosting a state visit by the emperor and empress of Japan in June.
The palace didn’t provide an update on the king’s health or his treatment, though it said the “medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the king’s continued recovery.”
Charles continued his state duties, including reviewing government documents and meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, after his diagnosis was disclosed on Feb. 5.
“His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise,” the palace said in a statement.
Charles’s return will relieve the pressure put on other members of the royal family during his absence, coupled with that of the Catherine, Princess of Wales, also due to illness. It highlighted the challenges faced by a slimmed-down monarchy.
Catherine stepped away from public duties in January when she underwent a “major abdominal surgery.” Last month, after much speculation about the state of her health, she released a video statement revealing she had been diagnosed with cancer following her surgery.
Amid the king’s commitment to cut costs, and the decision of Duke and Duchess of Sussex — more commonly known as Prince Harry and Meghan — to walk away from royal duties, there are simply fewer family members available to carry out the endless round of ribbon cuttings, awards ceremonies and state events that make up the life of a modern royal.
After frenzied speculation about her health, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has revealed she’s being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer. Vanity Fair’s Katie Nicholl breaks down what this means for the Royal Family, and oncologist Dr. Sharlene Gill explains what’s involved in preventive chemotherapy.
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