King Charles III shook hands and chatted with onlookers after attending an Easter service at Windsor Castle on Sunday, his most significant public event since being diagnosed with cancer last month.
Wearing a dark coat and shiny blue tie, the king smiled and marched along a rope outside St. George’s Church for about five minutes, extending his hand to greet the crowds who waved get well cards and took photos online. A cold early spring day. “You are very brave to stand here in the cold,” Charles told them.
As Charles and Queen Camilla walked by, a member of the crowd shouted: “Keep strong.”
The 75-year-old monarch’s appearance was seen as an attempt to reassure the public after Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.
The King continues to perform state duties, such as reviewing government documents and meeting with the Prime Minister. But his attendance at traditional royal events such as Easter services was seen as a sign that he was beginning a planned return to public life. British media reported last week that Charles would slowly increase his public appearances after Easter.
The ceremony itself was smaller than usual as Kate, Princess of Wales, is also undergoing treatment for cancer and has taken a break from public duties. The princess, her husband Prince William and their children were not in attendance.
Kate Shock announced on March 22 that she, too, had cancer, following weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts following major abdominal surgery in February.
Charles’ forced absence from public life is a setback for a man eager to leave his mark on the monarchy, having waited nearly 74 years – longer than any previous heir – to become king.
When Charles succeeds his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, he faces the daunting task of proving that the 1,000-year-old monarchy is still relevant in a modern country whose citizens come from every corner of the globe. After less than two years on the throne, the king is still defining himself to the public and trying to convince young people and members of minority communities that the royal family can represent them.
Although the duties of a constitutional monarch are primarily ceremonial, working as a member of the royal family can be exhausting.
In addition to the occasional procession in full royal regalia, there are meetings with political leaders, dedication ceremonies and events commemorating the achievements of British citizens. In the first year of Charles’ reign, the royal family spent a total of 161 days.
The royal family has struggled to keep the king in the public eye – even as he attempts to limit contact to reduce the risk of infection while he undergoes treatment. A video was released of the king reading out his get-well card and meeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He also attended meetings of the Privy Council, a meeting of senior advisers.
While Charles was absent from pre-Easter services on Thursday, he released a pre-recorded audio message in which he expressed regret at missing an event traditionally attended by the monarch.
The King also reiterated his coronation oath “not to be served, but to serve.”
“I’ve always tried to do it with all my heart and continue to do it,” he said.
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