King Charles health news – live: Monarch gives update on cancer treatment as he returns to public duties next week

King Charles has announced he will be returning to public duties as he continues to undergo treatment for cancer.

The monarch has been receiving care as an outpatient since announcing his diagnosis in February, and Buckingham Palace officials say he has been reacting positively to the treatment.

A spokesperson said: “His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.”

His return to public duties will not be a full summer programme, but will be announced nearer the time and will be subject to doctors’ advice.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said it was brilliant news.

The King restricts himself to only two meals a day and exercises twice daily, it’s been reported:

The summer months are a busy period for the royal family, when colourful set-piece events such as Trooping the Colour, Garter Day and Royal Ascot are held, with the prospect towards the end of the year of overseas travel as Samoa hosts the biennial meeting of Commonwealth leaders.

A Palace spokesperson said planning continued into ways in which the monarch and his wife may attend events in the summer and autumn although “nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed” and all plans remain subject to medical advice nearer the time.

Sir Keir Starmer said he was delighted to see the King returning to public duties.

The Labour leader wrote on social media: “Delighted to see His Majesty looking so well, and returning to public duties.

“On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish him and the Princess of Wales the best, as they continue their recovery with the support of their families.”

The King is said to be “greatly encouraged” at returning to public facing royal duties.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise.”

Charles’s diary of events will not be a full summer programme, and attendance will be announced nearer the time and “subject to doctors’ advice”, with “adaptations made where necessary to minimise risk” to the King’s recovery.

It is understood the warmer weather would allow events to be staged outside and minimise the risk posed by other people that many cancer patients face.

The spokesperson added: “The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”

To mark the King’s return to public duties, Buckingham Palace said Charles and Camilla would visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday to meet medical specialists and patients.

The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research, supported by Cancer Research UK, taking place at the hospital.

The hospital has not been publicly identified.