UK

Smiling King Charles attends church for first time since cancer diagnosis

A smiling King Charles has attended church in Sandringham for the first time since his cancer diagnosis was announced.

The 75-year-old monarch was seen arriving for the service in Norfolk on Sunday morning – a day after thanking supporters for their wishes following his cancer diagnosis.

The King briefly waved as he walked up to St Mary Magdalene’s church holding an umbrella, accompanied by Queen Camilla.

He was then greeted by Reverend Canon Dr Paul Williams before going inside.

The royal has been recovering at his Sandringham estate following the public announcement about his condition on Monday.

Britain's King Charles and Reverend Canon Dr Paul Williams shake hands next to Queen Camilla as they arrive for a church service at St. Mary Magdalene's church on the Sandringham estate in eastern England, Britain, February 11, 2024. REUTERS/Chris Radburn
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King Charles shakes hands with Reverend Canon Dr Paul Williams outside St Mary Magdalene’s church. Pic: Reuters

King Charles attends church in Sandringham. Pic: Reuters
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King Charles was seen grinning. Pic: Reuters

On Saturday, he issued a statement to express his “most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.”

The royal has been advised by doctors to postpone his public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment.

It was also revealed on Wednesday that the King would hold his weekly audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak by phone, rather than in person, although it was unclear if this was a one-off.

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Buckingham Palace has not revealed further details about the King’s illness but has said it is not prostate cancer.

Mr Sunak has also said the royal’s illness had “thankfully been caught early”.

The monarch was seen in public for the first time since the cancer announcement on Tuesday, when he and the Queen were driven from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace following a brief reunion with the Duke of Sussex.

The couple were then taken by helicopter to Sandringham, while Prince Harry flew back to his home in the US.