King Charles Shakes Hands And Chats With The Crowd At Most Significant Public Appearance Since Cancer Diagnosis.

LONDON — King Charles III shook hands and spoke with bystanders after attending an Easter service at Windsor Castle on Sunday, his biggest public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer last month.

The monarch, clad in a dark overcoat and a dazzling blue tie, grinned as he walked for approximately five minutes along a rope line outside St. George’s Chapel. Reaching into the crowd, he greeted fans who waved get-well cards and took photos on a chilly early spring day. “You’re very brave to stand out here in the cold,” Charles informed them.

“Keep going strong,” one crowd member yelled as Charles and Queen Camilla passed.

King Charles Shakes Hands, Chats With Crowd At Most Significant Public Outing Since Cancer Diagnosis

The 75-year-old monarch’s visit was interpreted as an attempt to reassure the public after Charles withdrew from public life in early February following Buckingham Palace’s admission that he was undergoing treatment for an unnamed type of cancer.

The monarch has continued to perform his state obligations, such as reading government documents and meeting with the prime minister. But his attendance at a customary royal occasion, such as the Easter service, is interpreted as a sign that he is gradually returning to public life. The British media speculated last week that Charles would gradually increase his public appearances following Easter.

The ceremony was smaller than normal since Kate, the Princess of Wales, is also undergoing cancer treatment and has temporarily suspended public obligations. The princess, her husband, Prince William, and their children were absent.

Kate’s shocking admission that she, too, had cancer came on March 22, after weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts following major stomach surgery in February.

Charles’ forced seclusion from public life has been a setback for a man keen to imprint his mark on the monarchy after waiting nearly 74 years—longer than any previous heir—to become king.

When Charles succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, he faced the onerous burden of proving that the 1,000-year-old monarchy is still relevant in a modern nation whose residents came from all over the world. After less than two years on the throne, the king is still defining himself in public, attempting to persuade young people and members of minority groups that the royal family can represent them.

“He understands that being visible to the public and having public goodwill are at the heart of a successful monarchy,” royal expert Jennie Bond told the BBC. “He needs that interaction, and I think he actually enjoys it.”

Some members of the public appeared reassured. Anne Daley, 65, of Cardiff, Wales, displayed a Welsh flag to the former Prince of Wales.

King Charles Shakes Hands, Chats With Crowd At Most Significant Public Outing Since Cancer Diagnosis

“Did you notice the smile Charles gave me? “He pointed at my flag,” she explained. “He had a beautiful smile. He looked good. I assume he was pleased that we had all arrived.”

Although the duties of a constitutional monarch are primarily ceremonial, being a royal can be demanding.

Aside from the occasional procession in full royal regalia, there are meetings with political leaders, dedication ceremonies, and celebrations commemorating the achievements of British residents. That amounted to 161 days of royal engagements during Charles’ first year on the throne.

The palace has worked hard to keep the monarch in the public eye, even as he sought to minimize contact to reduce his risk of infection while undergoing treatment. Videos of the king reading get-well cards and meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have been released. He also attended a meeting of the Privy Council, which consists of senior advisers.

King Charles Shakes Hands, Chats With Crowd At Most Significant Public Outing Since Cancer Diagnosis

Charles delivered a pre-recorded audio message on Thursday while skipping a pre-Easter service, expressing regret for missing an occasion that the monarch typically attends.

The king also restated his coronation promise: “not to be served, but to serve.”

“That I have always tried to do and continue to do with my whole heart,” he said.

SOURCE – (AP)