Achi news desk-
London, United Kingdom –
King Charles III shook hands and chatted with onlookers after attending an Easter service at Windsor Castle on Sunday in his most significant public outing since being diagnosed with cancer last month.
The king, dressed in a dark coat and shiny blue tie, smiled as he made his way along a rope outside St George’s Chapel for around five minutes, reaching into the crowd to greet supporters and wave cards improve and take pictures on. a cold early spring day. “You are very brave to stand out here in the cold,” Charles told them.
“Keep going,” shouted one member of the crowd as Charles and Queen Camilla walked past.
The 75-year-old monarch’s appearance was seen as an effort to reassure the public after Charles stepped back from public office in early February following an announcement from Buckingham Palace that he was being treated for an unspecified type of cancer. .
The king has continued to carry out his state duties, such as reviewing government papers and meeting the prime minister. But his presence at a traditional royal event such as the Easter service is seen as a sign that he is beginning a controlled return to public life. British media reported last week that Charles would slowly increase his public appearances after Easter.
The service itself was smaller than usual as Kate, Princess of Wales, was also being treated for cancer and had postponed her public duties. The princess, her husband Prince William and their children were not present.
Kate’s shock announcement that she too was suffering from cancer was made on March 22, after weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts following major abdominal surgery in February.
Charles’ enforced absence from public life has been a setback for a man keen to put his stamp on the monarchy after waiting almost 74 years – longer than any previous heir – to become king.
When he succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles faced the daunting task of showing that the 1,000-year-old monarchy remains relevant in a modern nation whose citizens come from all over the world. After less than two years on the throne, the king is still defining himself with the public as he tries to persuade young people and members of minority communities that the royal family can represent.
Although constitutional royal duties are largely ceremonial, the job of being a royal can be exhausting.
Besides the occasional parade in full royal regalia, there are meetings with political leaders, dedication ceremonies and events to honor the achievements of British citizens. That added to 161 days of royal engagements during Charles’ first year on the throne.
The palace has worked hard to keep the king in the public eye – even as he tries to limit contacts to reduce his risk of infection while receiving treatment. Videos were released of the king reading get-well cards and an audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He also attended a session of the Privy Council, a gathering of senior councillors.
As he skipped a pre-Easter service on Thursday, Charles released a pre-recorded audio message in which he expressed his regret at missing an event traditionally attended by the queen.
The king also confirmed his coronation promise “not to be served, but to serve.”
“That I have always tried to do and continue to do, with all my heart,” he said.
