Smiling King Charles in good spirits as he makes first major public appearance since cancer diagnosis

31 March 2024, 10:44 | Updated: 31 March 2024, 13:43

King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor this morning. Picture: Getty
Kieran Kelly

By Kieran Kelly

King Charles made his first major public appearance since his cancer diagnosis was revealed this morning, attending an Easter Sunday service in Windsor.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Before the service, Charles, 75, was seen smiling and waving to crowds as he arrived for the annual Easter Mattins Service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Sarah Ferguson.

One well-wisher shouted "Happy Easter", to which Charles responded: "And to you."

The Prince and Princess of Wales were not present, as Kate continues her cancer treatment.

King Charles was in good spirits
King Charles was in good spirits. Picture: Getty
King Charles
King Charles. Picture: Getty
King Charles greets well-wishers as they leave St. George's Chapel, in Windsor Castle
King Charles greets well-wishers as they leave St. George's Chapel, in Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty

Charles sat away from the rest of his family on the advice of his medical team as they seek to protect him from infection.

The King has been seen leaving Buckingham Palace and has hosted private audiences in recent weeks, but has stepped back from his public duties.

Earlier this week, a source told The Telegraph that the King’s appearance at the service is a “sign of things heading in the right direction”.

Read More: Princess Kate’s emotional cancer reveal ‘was inspired by major Queen Elizabeth speech’

Read More: King Charles ‘turning the dial’ towards resuming royal duties as he's set for first public appearance amid cancer battle

A source told the outlet the arrangements for Charles had been considered an “acceptable” environment and level of risk for the King two months into his cancer treatment.

They also described the plans as “turning the dial” toward resuming his ordinary programme, which will reportedly include the King hosting more guests for engagements at the palace as the summer approaches.

It does not mark an official return to public duties but is a "gentle first step".

Princess Kate reveals she has cancer
Princess Kate reveals she has cancer. Picture: Kensington Palace

Charles' first public appearances comes weeks after Princess Kate revealed her own cancer diagnosis.

The Princess of Wales was due to return to public duties after Easter but is now expected to come back later in the year.

Charles announced that he had been diagnosed with a 'form of cancer' in February, after it was discovered during his treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Both of the senior royals went to the London Clinic for surgery at the same time.

Royal commentator Michael Cole said the decision to announce her diagnosis was "hers alone".

"She was encouraged to make it by witnessing the public reaction to the news of the King's cancer, released by Buckingham Palace," he told MailOnline.

Ali Miraj says it's time to 'show a bit of kindness' towards Princess Kate

"The outpouring of concern worldwide, with messages of support flowing in an unending stream of kindness and encouragement, took the King by surprise, rather like Queen Victoria who wrote in her diary how surprised she was by people shouting they loved her as she drove through the crowds to her Golden Jubilee in 1887."

He continued: "Kate has grown close to the King, who has repeatedly referred to her as 'my beloved daughter-in-law'."As such, she was well aware of the public response to the revelation of the King's cancer and how it had affected him."

Mr Cole added: "The tone was absolutely right, with no false emphasis or hint of histrionics: just calm, dignified, straight forward - much like the Princess herself.

"The King was one of very few people given a preview of the young woman, sitting alone on a bench in her Breton sweater and blue jeans, in front of daffodils in full bloom, a traditional symbol of spring and new life."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Scale of King Charles' earnings exposed as royals rake in 'millions' from contracts with cash-strapped NHS and military

Royal earnings exposed as King 'earns millions' from contracts with cash-strapped NHS, military and state schools

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks speaks for the first time

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks breaks silence 20 years on

Police Line Do Not Cross ribbon on a London street following a suspected bomb reported in the area.

Schoolgirl, 10, dies after being bitten by family dog in North Yorkshire as police launch launch investigation

WATCH: Three family members of Sara Sharif were arrested at Gatwick Airport for her muder

WATCH: Moment police board plane and arrest fugitive family of schoolgirl Sara Sharif on suspicion of murder

Craig pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual offences against a teenage pupil

Ex-teacher jailed after he 'groomed' and sexually assaulted pupil in classroom cupboard

A 22-year-old woman died from a stab injury at Spenlow House on Jamaica Road, Bermondsey

Boy, 17, jailed for stabbing woman, 22, to death in 'laughing gas-fuelled row' on Christmas Eve

Jackie Scully will trek 100km across the Sahara desert to mark 10 years since she was given the all-clear

Breast cancer survivor to trek 100km across Sahara desert to mark 10 years since getting all-clear

Flooding And Heavy Rain In Valencia Region Of Spain

What we have seen in Spain these last days is a preview of the future if we do not take action on climate change

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new Conservative Party leader

New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says 'huge job' ahead involves 'people we want to bring back to Conservative Party'

Janey Godley has died at the age of 63

Scottish comedian Janey Godley died in hospital 'surrounded by her loved ones' aged 63 following battle with cancer

Exclusive
Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci says 'garbage' comments made at Trump rally have 'lit up' Puerto Ricans - and could swing election

billy nighy

Billy Nighy 'stole complete works of Shakespeare from library' to prepare for drama school audition

v

Winner in Conservative leadership contest to be announced this morning

Palma is on lockdown amid warnings of heavy rain

Majorca on lockdown as tourist hotspot faces flooding horror after storm kills more than 200

UK GP visiting senior woman at home

Care homes and GPs could face closure under Labour tax plans, health leaders warn