Royal observers have been expressing concern for King Charles since he disclosed his cancer diagnosis last month, but there was reason for optimism this past Sunday.
Following the King and Queen’s attendance at the Easter Mattins service and their interaction with well-wishers, a source from Buckingham Palace described the public outing as a “significant step” for the royal.
They continued: “As can be seen, The King has responded to treatment very encouragingly over past weeks and his doctors were thus able to adjust their guidance slightly on what His Majesty is now able to undertake, including attendance at the Easter service and greeting well-wishers who had kindly turned out to show their support.
“To be clear, His Majesty’s treatment continues and caution is of course the watchword, but as diary plans are evolved towards summer, we hope to see more of these carefully-calibrated steps towards the resumption of some public facing duties for The King, with adjustments made where necessary.
“Nothing will be confirmed until nearer the time, plans remain in flux and are subject to medical guidance, but there is great hope and optimism from both doctors and the patient.
“While HM has of course been undertaking all his official duties in private, and has been photographed at a number of smaller Palace engagements, hopefully today has offered wider public reassurance that His Majesty is doing well and that the road ahead is looking very positive.”
The update follows Charles and Camilla being accompanied by their family members at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, for the service.
As scheduled, the Prince and Princess of Wales were not present, as the Princess is taking a break from public engagements while undergoing preventive chemotherapy for her undisclosed cancer, discovered after significant abdominal surgery. Although the King appeared in good spirits at the event, he has reduced his schedule since his health news was disclosed.
