King Charles has made a major announcement about his health, almost three months after first revealing he was battling cancer.
The monarch, 75, has largely retreated from the spotlight since early this year, when Buckingham Palace released a statement about his shock diagnosis.
However, following a period of treatment, the King is now set to return to public life next week.
The Palace released a statement about his encouraging progress on Friday night, UK time, including details of his upcoming engagements.
“His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis,” it read.
“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.”
A new portrait was also released of the King and Queen, which was taken in Buckingham Palace Gardens on April 10, the day after the couple’s wedding anniversary, according to The Sun.
The Palace added that Charles, 75, and his wife, Queen Camilla, will also host the Emperor and Empress of Japan in June, in a further sign of a return to business as usual.
The statement wrapped up with a heartfelt message in response to the royals’ many wellwishers.
“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,” it read.
The positive development no doubt comes as very welcome news amid a challenging few months for the monarchy.
The royal family has been forced to deal with the double blow of the Princess of Wales, 42, and King Charles’ respective cancer diagnoses and subsequent retreat from the spotlight while both undergoing treatment.
The Palace confirmed in February that the King was dealing with an undisclosed type of cancer, which was discovered following treatment for a “separate issue of concern” regarding an enlarged prostate.
The statement confirmed he would “postpone public-facing duties,” but continue to “undertake State business and official paperwork as usual”.
Meanwhile, Kate revealed her own cancer battle in an emotional video shot last month, following frenzied speculation about her welfare and extended absence from the public eye.
The princess’ condition also prompted Prince William to temporarily reduce his workload in order to care for his wife, leaving the monarchy represented by a significantly diminished team which included just Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
However, following a private family holiday in Norfolk, in England’s east, William was back in the royal fold last week, visiting a food redistribution centre and youth charity.
The first encouraging signs in Charles’ recovery emerged earlier this month, when he was given the green light by doctors to attend the royal family’s annual Easter church service at Windsor Castle.
The monarch appeared to be in good health as he smiled and waved at the small crowd permitted within the royal grounds, after skipping the traditional 10-minute walk to St George’s Chapel in favour of travelling by car.