King Charles Makes First Public Appearance Since Revealing Cancer Diagnosis

King Charles III made his first public appearance Sunday since announcing he is being treated for an unspecified form of cancer.

The British monarch and his wife Queen Camilla were seen near the royal Sandringham estate in England, with the royal couple walking to a morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church. King Charles III smiled and waved to onlookers and photographers during the stroll.

On February 5, Buckingham Palace revealed that after the 75-year-old Charles underwent a recent treatment for “benign prostate enlargement,” “a separate issue of concern was noted,” which “subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.” While Buckingham Palace didn’t specify what form of cancer, a royal source told CNN that prostate cancer has been ruled out.

King Charles III — who will step back from public-facing duties amid his medical ordeal —also made his first statement to the British people following his cancer diagnosis Saturday. 

“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” the king said. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”

He continued, “It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”