King Charles’ busy week is a positive sign – but it’s not business as usual
When Buckingham Palace announced the King’s return to public-facing duties, his staff were keen to stress he still has cancer, he’s still receiving treatment and his diary would be adapted accordingly.
We were told the number of engagements would be “carefully calibrated” and coordinated in “close consultation” with his medical team.
The King’s first outings certainly felt spread out, starting with the personally poignant visit to a cancer treatment centre, where he spent time talking to patients receiving care.
A fortnight on, this week has been different – for the first time we have seen the King on duties every day.
Monday brought a father-son handover as the King passed to Prince William one of his military roles; colonel-in- chief of the Army Air Corps.
Tuesday saw double duties, with the monarch carrying out his first investitures since his cancer diagnosis at Windsor Castle, followed by the reveal of his official portrait.
The painting by artist Jonathan Yeo followed four sittings over two years and captured on canvas the King’s transition from Prince of Wales to monarch, represented in the very red painting by a butterfly hovering over his shoulder.
On Wednesday, at the service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire, the King joined two thousand of those honoured at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Established by King George V in 1917 to reward outstanding contributions to the war effort – it now recognises the work of people from all walks of life.
With public service being one of the King’s big themes, it was an event he would not have wanted to miss.
He knows these moments matter for those involved.
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It’s not business as usual – the King is still a patient and being treated for his cancer at regular intervals. And we don’t have official confirmation whether he will attend some of the big set-piece events like Trooping the Colour or Royal Ascot.
But this week certainly marks a more visible return to public life.
For the King personally, and those who enjoy following the royals, it is a positive sign.