June Emperor's State Invitation... "Medical Staff Satisfied with Treatment Progress So Far"
King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who disclosed his cancer diagnosis last February, will return to public duties next week after nearly three months. It has been almost three months since he revealed his cancer diagnosis on February 6.
On the 26th (local time), a Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated, "The King is now able to resume a number of external duties." During this period, Charles III continued official duties such as issuing statements or voice messages and meeting with the Prime Minister, ministers, and external figures at Buckingham Palace, but he refrained from outdoor activities.
Buckingham Palace released photos on the 26th celebrating the 19th wedding anniversary of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. These photos were taken in the gardens of Buckingham Palace in London on April 10, the day after their anniversary. [Photo by Buckingham Palace]
In June, Charles III will welcome Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, who will be making a state visit to the UK.
Charles III visited Japan five times during his time as Prince of Wales. His most recent visit was in 2019 when he attended Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony.
The imperial couple postponed their state visit to the UK in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022. However, it remains uncertain whether they will participate in traditional summer events such as the King’s official birthday parade, the Normandy landings commemoration, or garden parties held in June.
While announcing the resumption of duties, Buckingham Palace did not provide additional information about Charles III’s health condition. A palace spokesperson explained, "The King’s (cancer) treatment program will continue, but the medical team is satisfied with the progress so far, allowing the King to resume many external duties."
They added, "Future schedules may be adjusted as necessary to minimize risks to the King’s recovery." This means that he will not be able to attend all events, and upcoming engagements will be determined based on his health status.
Crown Prince William and Crown Princess Kate Middleton arriving at Buckingham Palace last year [Photo by Yonhap News]
King Charles III and Queen Camilla plan to visit a cancer treatment center on the 30th to meet with medical professionals and patients. During this time, Charles III has continued official duties such as issuing statements or voice messages and meeting with the Prime Minister, ministers, and external figures at Buckingham Palace, but has refrained from outdoor activities.
His public appearances outside the palace have been limited to traveling for mid-February and Easter Sunday services on the 31st of last month.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales and Charles III’s eldest daughter-in-law, also publicly revealed last month that she is undergoing treatment after a cancer diagnosis. Kensington Palace, representing the Prince of Wales, explained that her return schedule will depend on medical advice. The Prince of Wales resumed official duties on the 18th, one month after the public announcement of the Princess’s cancer battle.
The British royal family is currently experiencing a 'staff shortage.' Prince Harry and his wife have left the royal family, and the King’s brother, Prince Andrew, stepped back from official duties due to a sexual scandal.
On this day, Buckingham Palace also released photos commemorating the 19th wedding anniversary of Charles III and Queen Camilla. The photos were taken in the gardens of Buckingham Palace in London on the 10th, the day after their anniversary.
Buckingham Palace stated, "As the first anniversary of the coronation (May 6) approaches, the King is grateful for the kindness and goodwill received from around the world during the past year of joys and challenges."
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