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King's own cancer battle has been an inspiration to his 'beloved daughter in law': How Charles paid tribute to Kate Middleton - and was the reason she bravely went public with her own diagnosis - as monarch receives health boost
The Princess of Wales told fellow cancer sufferers that they were 'not alone' and should not 'lose faith or hope' as she revealed to the world that she is seriously ill.
Her words brought comfort to millions also in the same battle - but her moving message was also a subtle thanks to her father-in-law for his unerring support during the hardest weeks of her life.
And the King's decision to reveal today that he is on the mend and getting back to work after months of treatment will be just the positive news Kate needs to push on with her own cancer fight.
Both the Princess of Wales and Charles had been in hospital together at the same time in January - Kate was having abdominal surgery and the monarch had a procedure on his prostate.
The King had tentatively ‘toddled’ from his hospital bed to Kate's nearby room to comfort his daughter in law on a number of occasions as both recovered in the exclusive London Clinic.
Prince William has been totally focused on supporting his wife and family and until recently cut back on public duties - a balm to his wife. Camilla too has publicly and privately offered love and support to Kate.
Shortly after their hospital stays, Charles bravely broke with royal protocol by sharing his cancer diagnosis in late January. The Princess of Wales was inspired to reveal her cancer diagnosis after the warm response to the King doing the same six weeks earlier.
Kate and Charles, pictured together during a visit to a medical rehabilitation centre in Loughborough in 2020, have supported one another during their hospital stays and cancer treatment
Royal insiders have said that Kate and Charles have grown ever closer, especially with their health battles this year
Kate spoke of the 'huge shock' of being diagnosed with cancer in a video released on March 22
King Charles III and Queen Camilla, taken by portrait photographer Millie Pilkington, in Buckingham Palace Gardens on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary. The image is being released today to mark the first anniversary of their Coronation
They both received their cancer diagnosis in February, although Kate delayed her public announcement until just before the Easter school holidays to tell her children at a time that was 'right for them'.
Today it emerged that the King has been given permission by doctors to return to public-facing duties after being diagnosed with cancer.
His Majesty is not yet clear of the disease and is still undergoing treatment, but his medical team are understood to be ‘pleased with the progress made so far’ and ‘remain positive’ about his recovery.
To mark the good news Buckingham Palace have also announced two major milestone events, the first of many in the coming months, and passed on Their Majesties grateful thanks for all the good wishes they have received.
On Tuesday the King and Queen will visit a cancer treatment centre - a deeply poignant engagement given his own cancer battle as well as that of his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales - where they will meet medical specialists and patients.
There are also plans to host an incoming state visit by The Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June at the request of the government.
Officials also released a beautiful new portrait of Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, looking happy and relaxed, which was taken the day after their 19th wedding anniversary earlier this month.
In a statement Buckingham Palace said tonight: ‘His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.
‘To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients. This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.
‘In addition, The King and Queen will host Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan for a State Visit in June, at the request of HM Government.
‘As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year.’
Buckingham Palace have not revealed the nature of the cancer or details of the treatment he immediately began to receive.
Officials have stressed that His Majesty’s treatment for cancer is still ongoing, saying: ‘His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public facing duties. Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.’
They are not able, at this stage, to specify how long it will continue. A spokesman said: ‘It is too early to say, but His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about The King’s continued recovery.’
They added that ‘any public-facing engagements will be announced nearer the time in the usual way, and will remain subject to doctors’ advice’ and stressed that it would not be a ‘full summer programme’.
Charles and Kate embrace at the 'No Time To Die' premiere in London in September 2021
Kate and Charles are known to have formed a strong bond in the 13 years since her marriage to his son Prince William as she has been welcomed into the Royal Family.
And this relationship is said to have been 'cemented' by both senior royals being in for operations at the same time in January.
Kate made reference in her public video message to 'all those whose lives have been affected by cancer,' adding: 'You are not alone.' And this has been seen as a clear nod to Charles too.
Speaking about why Kate decided to go public, royal commentator Michael Cole told MailOnline that Charles' decision to reveal his cancer diagnosis directly helped Kate.
'The decision was hers alone and she was encouraged to make it by witnessing the public reaction to the news of the King's cancer, released by Buckingham Palace', he said.
'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.'
Mr Cole, a former BBC television royal correspondent, added: '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.'
He continued: '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.'
Meanwhile a royal source told The Times: 'A factor in their [Kate and William's] decision to go public would have been the great warmth and affection received by the King as a result of his announcement.
'It meant a huge amount to him. In some ways it provided a template.'
Kate and Charles smile as they visit Dulwich Picture Gallery in South London on March 15, 2012
After she spoke in March, Buckingham Palace said the King was 'so proud' of Kate for her courage in speaking out about her cancer diagnosis and remains in the 'closest contact' with his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charles and Camilla have publicly offered their love and support to Kate, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as the family try to come to terms with the news.
The monarch, 75, is extremely fond of the princess, who has been part of his eldest son the Prince of Wales's life for more than 20 years.
Charles and Kate share a love of art, gardening and the outdoors - but now their bond sadly stretches to a shared cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
The King and Queen were told the news about Kate's health beforehand and were aware she was preparing to issue her video message.
Buckingham Palace said: 'His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.
'Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has 'remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks'.
'Both Their Majesties 'will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time'.'
The King, who acceded to the throne 18 months ago, is undergoing his own course of treatment for cancer, and Camilla said last week he was 'doing very well'.
He is continuing his duties as head of state behind palace walls, conducting audiences and Privy Council meetings.
But he has postponed all public-facing engagements after beginning treatment for the undisclosed form of cancer in February.
He spent three nights in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which time his cancer - not prostate cancer - was discovered.
Rumours online about the health and whereabouts of Kate intensified after William missed, at very short notice, the memorial service of his godfather the late King Constantine of Greece on February 27.
It is now understood the Prince's decision not to attend was related to his wife's condition, but it is not known exactly when the Princess was told about the positive test for cancer.