King Charles issues cancer update as he returns to duties after Balmoral break
The king was in Birmingham on Wednesday
King Charles issued an update on his cancer and his health as he returned to duties this week following his summer break at Balmoral.
On Wednesday (September 3), the king was out and about for engagements. He visited the Oratory of St Philip Neri in Birmingham, which opened in 1909 in memory of St. John Henry Newman. St. John Henry was canonised in 2019 by Pope Francis.
Later, King Charles, 76, visited the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick. It was here that he issued an update on his cancer treatment.
King Charles issues update on his cancer treatment
On Wednesday, King Charles officially opened the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
During a conversation with a fellow cancer patient, Matthew Shinda, Charles said that “half the problem is detecting it in time” and added of the illness: “The great thing I think is they’re getting better and better.”
He told Matthew: “There’s always hope down the road.”
During another conversation, revealing his own struggles, King Charles joked that he was “discovering” that “bits don’t work so well do they once you get past 70”.
Meanwhile, on his own health and treatment, the king said “I’m not too bad”.
King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and treatment
The king’s cancer diagnosis was announced last February. He has been undergoing treatment since.
Charles hasn’t revealed what type of cancer he has. According to reports, he made the decision not to share the type of cancer he has for a meaningful reason.
A source told The Times in December 2024 that “the king’s decision not to reveal the type of cancer was a conscious choice to be able to reach out to the widest number of people who are experiencing the disease, rather than narrow the focus onto a particular form of cancer”.
Fans react to Charles’ ‘healthy’ appearance
Some photos of Charles out and about were shared to the royal family’s official social media accounts on Wednesday.
Charles was seen wearing a grey and white pinstriped suit paired with a red printed tie during his visit to the Oratory of St Philip Neri.
One photo captured the king mid-laughter. Another showed him admiring the 1474 volume in the library.
The caption read: “In Birmingham, The King has visited the Oratory of St Philip Neri, which opened in 1909 in memory of St. John Henry Newman.
“His Majesty was shown the Cardinal’s Room, which remains exactly as St. John Henry left it when he died in 1890. The room has no heating or electricity. Newman’s books, possessions, Rosaries, and items of clothing remain untouched.”
Royal fans quickly filled the comment section with admiration for the king’s appearance, noting how healthy and well he looked.
One fan wrote: “Looking fantastic, Your Majesty.”
“Great to see His Majesty out and about,” another added.
“Looking very well, Your Majesty. Hoping you are feeling well also,” a third fan gushed.
Another echoed: “Looking good king!”
This visit marks King Charles’s first official engagement following his his annual summer retreat at Balmoral. It signals the beginning of a packed autumn schedule for the monarch.
Read more: King Charles’ real powers when it comes to a general election and dissolving parliament
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