King makes first public appearance since cancer diagnosis

The King and Queen greeted well-wishers after the service – MARK CUTHBERT/UK PRESS

The King and Queen have walked to church at Sandringham this morning, waving at well-wishers in his first appearance since his cancer diagnosis.

King Charles smiled and waved on his way to St Mary Magdalene Church, dressed smartly and carrying an umbrella as the Queen walked by his side.

It is the first time he has been seen in public since he began treatment for cancer six days ago.

The King has previously been photographed through the large windows of the state Bentley, on his way from a short meeting with his younger son Prince Harry to the peace and quiet of Sandringham.

The King had last appeared in public after he left the London Clinic – KARWAI TANG

He last appeared out and about in public when he walked out of the London Clinic following treatment for symptoms of an enlarged prostate. At that time, his medical team had discovered a second issue which required further tests, but the King appeared in jovial spirits.

No other members of the Royal family were photographed on route to the church service on Sunday morning.

The Prince of Wales and his family are reported to be staying nearby at Anmer Hall for half term. Kensington Palace has not commented.

The King has already issued a written message of gratitude to the nation for the good wishes he has received, and is reported to have received “more than a dozen sacks of ‘get well soon’ cards”.

In his first public comments acknowledging his illness, the King said: “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.

“As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.

“It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.

“My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

The King is undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, and will be spending most of each week at Sandringham or Highgrove away from public engagements to protect his health.

He is expected to return to London more or less weekly, in order to hold his audience with the Prime Minister and receive further treatment and medical advice.

This week, the King is not expected to be seen on any public engagements, although he may see the Prime Minister in person and will be conducting his usual official duties from his office.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are spending half term with their three children as the Princess recuperates from abdominal surgery

The Prince returned to work for one day this week for an investiture and a charity fundraiser, having taken time off to be with his wife in hospital on most days of her two-week stay. He will be back to his normal programme after the school holiday.

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