Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles will be returning to royal duties following his treatment for cancer with the world’s media revealing the news at exactly 6pm.
The announcement’s precise timing was actually for a very good reason – the Palace decided to share the news just before the BBC News at Six was about to go on air.
Throughout history, consideration has often been given to the timing of major royal announcements so they could coincide with news broadcasts or newspaper publication times.
This afternoon, media organisations, including Express.co.uk were given the news with a 6pm embargo, meaning it couldn’t be shared before then but allowing them a couple of hours to prepare stories or television broadcasts.
The King was diagnosed with cancer in February this year following successful surgery for an enlarged prostate.
But today Buckingham Palace has announced Charles will be returning to work starting with a visit to a cancer treatment centre alongside Queen Camilla.
The palace statement read: “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 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.
The statement adds: “As the first anniversary of the Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year.”
The announcement comes just days after Prince William made his first public appearance since his wife Princess Kate was diagnosed with cancer last month.
