King Charles is set to return to public-facing duties next week after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
The monarch has been undergoing treatment for his undisclosed type of cancer, which was made public back in February. Since then, he has taken a break from public-facing engagements and instead has carried out his duties of state behind palace walls. However, next week on Tuesday, he will resume public outings when he and Queen Camilla visit a cancer treatment centre to meet medical specialists and patients.
Buckingham Palace said that with his return to public-facing duties, the King's treatment programme will continue but added that doctors are sufficiently pleased with his progress so far. It explained that it is too early to say how much longer his treatment will continue for.
It also stressed that the King's upcoming schedule would be carefully planned in consultation with his medical team and that it would not be a full summer programme. The palace also said that planning continues for summer and autumn engagements, which include Trooping the Colour and Royal Ascot, but that all future plans remain subject to medical advice meaning nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed.
A spokesperson said: "The King is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise."
It comes as Buckingham Palace also revealed that both Charles and Camilla will host the Emperor and Empress of Japan on a state visit to the UK in June. In a statement, the palace said: "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."
Meanwhile, the picture marking the first anniversary of the crowning of the King and Queen on May 6 was taken the day after their 19th wedding anniversary on April 10. Charles and Camilla are shown smiling broadly and walking arm in arm along a path with shrubs and colourful flowers in the background in the Buckingham Palace garden.
This latest announcement will be a boost for the monarchy as it comes to terms with the King and the Princess of Wales as cancer patients. Last month, Kate announced her own cancer diagnosis in an emotional video. The princess, 42, was admitted to hospital on January 16 for "major abdominal surgery", which has been confirmed as successful. At the time of her operation, it was thought that her condition was non-cancerous, as no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer. However, post-operative tests confirmed that cancer had been present.
In an emotional and heartfelt televised statement to the world confirming her diagnosis, Kate spoke of "an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family". But in a sign of her incredible bravery, the princess issued a message of hope for those also facing their own battle, saying: "For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."