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Charles’ upcoming engagements revealed including meeting Emperor of Japan – as ‘planning continues’ for Birthday Parade
His Majesty shared an adorable new photograph with Queen Camilla marking their 19th wedding anniversary
KING Charles' upcoming public engagements have been revealed including meeting the Emperor of Japan - as plans continue for his Birthday Parade.
The monarch, 75, announced he is returning to work in his first official public-facing event since his cancer diagnosis.
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His Majesty will be visiting a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday with Queen Camilla, to meet with medical specialists and patients.
As a patron of MacMillan Cancer Support, it is understood Charles wants the visit to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and support Cancer Research UK's tireless efforts.
Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery
Palace spokesperson
Buckingham Palace also revealed in the King's summer schedule planning is underway amid "a number of external engagements" in the coming weeks.
The monarch will be holding a host a State Visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan this summer.
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It also comes as:
- King Charles released a cancer update saying he’s feeling “greatly encouraged” by treatment
- Body language expert Judi James says image of Charles with Queen Camilla reveal how she’s been his strength
- Doctors are “positive” about the King’s recovery as heads back to work 11 weeks after diagnosis
- Put your questions to The Sun’s royal editor about King Charles as he releases major update
The government is preparing to welcome Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako for a visit expected to last around a week.
It has been reported events such as a State banquet will be laid out to mark the occasion.
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His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued car and expertise
A palace spokesperson
The visit was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was planned to celebrate Emperor Naruhito's ascension to the throne in 2019.
A palace spokesperson confirmed: "Planning continues for ways in which Their Majesties may attend such summer and autumn engagements, though nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed at this stage.
"All future plans remain subject to doctors' advice nearer the time, with appropriate adaptations made where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery."
It is understood the King's programme will be "carefully calibrated" with his medical team as his recovery continues.
The latest health update highlighted how Charles is well enough to take part in outdoor engagements.
Much to fans' excitement, this means Royal Ascot, Trooping the Colour joining and the Royal Family on the palace balcony, could all be on the cards.
Everything we know about King Charles' return to work
Q: Does today's announcement mean King Charles' cancer treatment has been successful or finished?
A: The King's treatment programme is ongoing but doctors are "sufficiently pleased" with the progress so far and Charles is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Further royal engagements will be adapted where necessary to cut down on any recovery risks.
Q: How much longer will King Charles receive treatment?
A: While it is too early to say, the King's medical team are "very encouraged" by progress made so far and remain "positive" about his recovery.
Q: How many engagements will King Charles undertake in the weeks and months ahead.
A: They will be announced nearer the time in the usual manner and will remain under doctor's advice. It will not be a full summer programme. His Majesty will continue with all official State business and selected Audiences.
Q: Is there a risk King Charles may be taking on too much with these external duties?
A: The King's schedule will be carefully designed to meet his recovery needs and he will be in close consultation with his medical team.
Q: Will King Charles attend the Birthday Parade, D-Day Commemorations, Garden Parties, Royal Ascot, or an Autumn overseas Tour?
A: Planning continues for ways in which the King and Queen can attend these summer and autumn engagements. All future plans remain under doctor's advice.
Q: How is King Charles feeling?
A: The Palace said: "His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued car and expertise."
SUMMER SCHEDULE
The Sun previously reported His Majesty could be driven in a carriage to Trooping the Colour this year on June 15 rather than riding a horse.
The monarch usually rides from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade to inspect troops on horseback.
But Charles could instead be driven to the parade in a carriage and watch it from a podium.
No decision will be made until June - and will depend on Charles' condition and medical advice.
King Charles set to return to work after a challenging few months for the Royal Family
Charles wore full military uniform including a bearskin hat last year as he saluted troops at his first Trooping the Colour as King.
Royal fans will also be thrilled to hear His Majesty could attend the famous Buckingham Palace Garden Party on May 8.
Last year the King and Queen beamed as they met Lionel Richie at the lavish event.
Thousands of people were seen lining the garden's lawn while Charles chatted and joked with attendees.
Future enagements
April 30: King will mark his public comeback by visiting a cancer hospital with the Queen
May 8 and 21: Buckingham Palace Garden Parties
May 21 - 25: Chelsea Flower Show
June 6: 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France and UK
June 15: Trooping the Colour birthday parade in London
June 17: Garter Day parade at Windsor Castle
June 18 - 22: Royal Ascot
Late June: State Visit by Emperor and Empress of Japan
July 3: Holyrood Week in Scotland
October: Two or three week tour of Australia
The joyous announcement follows The Sun's exclusive story in which we revealed the King had told aides he was "raring to go".
He is understood to have ordered staff to "supercharge" his diary for the summer.
The latest announcement also confirmed The Sun's story last month that planning is underway for the King to travel abroad.
Trips could include D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations on June 6 and even Australia in October.
The palace spokesperson added: "His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.
"Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery."
Amid the King's return to work, he and the Queen are said to be “deeply grateful” for the “kindnesses and good wishes” sent “throughout the joys and challenges of the past year”.
The royal couple also shared an adorable photograph to mark the celebration of their 19th wedding anniversary.
In the touching snap, Camilla holds onto Charles' arm as they walk through picturesque Buckingham Palace Gardens.
It has also been released to mark the approaching one-year anniversary of the King's coronation on May 6.
Palace statement in full
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.
"To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet with medical specialists and patients.
"This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.
"In addition, The King and Queen will host Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan for a State Visit in June, at the request of HM Government.
"As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindness and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the year."
KING'S HEALTH BATTLE
The royal health update comes after Charles was forced to take a step back from royal duties amid outpatient cancer treatment in London.
His Majesty bravely opened up about his diagnosis in February this year after the disease was spotted during a his prostate operation.
However, he has still been carrying out official State business and selected Audiences throughout his recovery programme.
In his absence Camilla and Prince William have both stepped up to take on more responsibilities.
FAMILY SUPPORT
The Queen continues to be the King's "rock" - and is said to be in regular contact with Kate - who is also going through her own cancer diagnosis.
Camilla has continued to carry out all of her royal duties and attended many events by herself after urging Charles to slow down.
She attended 13 royal engagements in the month after His Majesty's health announcement.
Meanwhile Wills has helped support Kate, after she revealed doctors detected the disease during her planned abdominal surgery in January.
Inside Charles' cancer diagnosis
January 17 2024 - Buckingham Palace announces His Majesty will be undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Just hours previous it was also revealed Princess Kate had been admitted to hospital for a pre-planned abdominal surgery.
January 26 2024 - The King is admitted to The London Clinic - where Princess Kate was also staying.
January 29 2024 - Charles waves as he leaves the hospital following a three day stay and being given the all clear.
It is understood the Monarch will take a month to recover after the surgery as Queen Camilla stands in during public appearances.
February 5 2024 - Buckingham Palace announces a form of cancer was diagnosed during the King's prostate op.
The statement confirms Charles has begun a schedule of regular treatments and "remains wholly positive".
He will also be postponing front line duties on doctor's advice but continue with his red boxes, weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, and monthly Privy Council meetings.
February 6 2024 - Prince Harry flies to the UK to be with his father as royal experts claim their four-year rift could be put aside.
The Duke of Sussex, who was informed of the news personally by the Monarch, was seen arriving into a private terminal at LAX in his black Range Rover.
February 10 2024 - In his first statement since his cancer diagnosis, the King offered his "heartfelt thanks" to the public for their support.
February 13 2024 - King Charles was seen smiling and waving as he arrived back in London for more cancer treatment.
March 31 2024 - The monarch's first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis.
He joined Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family - including Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and the Duchess of York - for the annual Easter Mattins Service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The royal mum-of-three, 42, opened up about an "incredibly tough" couple of months in an emotional video last month.
Her devoted husband was a pillar of support, taking some time away to stay by her side.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
But, the prince is has leapt back into action and promised to "look after" Kate as he made his first public appearance since her cancer announcement.
William gave a helping hand loading food and cooking in the kitchen at food distribution charity Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate's bedside
JAN 23: The princess' hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother's Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out 'kill notice' on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MARCH 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis.
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