I saw Charles visibly moved as he lived up to his mum’s mantra & not just for worried nation, says Sun’s Royal Editor

THE King pledged he is ‘raring to go’ and wanted aides to ‘supercharge’ diary after being cleared to work despite still battling cancer.

Today I saw the King bravely fulfilling a promise to himself and the nation to ‘serve’ as he lived up to his mother’s mantra ‘the monarch needs to be seen to be believed’.

Getty

Getty

Getty

He chose the cancer treatment centre at University College Hospital because he wanted to give something back to the unheralded heroes who fight cancer every day.

Walking in with Queen Camilla by his side three months after his cancer diagnosis it was good to see him back with a spring in his step.

Astonishingly, inside the King connected with patients undergoing care by revealing he too had an appointment for ongoing treatment this afternoon.

And it is understood he confessed to a patient undergoing chemotherapy it was a “bit of a shock” to be given a cancer diagnosis, during his first public engagement since starting treatment.

He looked visibly moved when he spent several minutes outside with Della Thomas, six, who is being treated at the hospital.

Just four short weeks ago at Easter, the King reaffirmed his coronation pledge “not to be served, but to serve” with “my whole heart”.

And I saw him arrive to serve up a morale-boosting treat not just for a worried nation who has followed every step of his cancer journey so far – but the patients and health heroes in the hospital.

After arriving he received a huge spontaneous cheer from those waiting inside as they were lucky enough to host his comeback gig.

So many patients had waited to see them that the hospital’s security staff had put up a rope cordon.

The King’s appearance was not only about being seen.

He chose the hospital visit to draw attention to innovative treatment, the importance of being diagnosed early and raise awareness about cancer diagnosis.

The street outside was filled with photographers and press from around the globe from Germany to the USA and Italy – plus the odd royal super fan clad in red, white and blue.

It is clear that the King wants to turn his struggle and use maximum publicity and attention that he can draw to the issues surrounding cancer.

Inside UCLH, it is understood that he was asked repeatedly how he was feeling, telling people: “I’m alright thank you very much, not too bad.”

Finishing his conversation with a patient who will be continuing her own treatment later, he said: “I know the feeling.”

In another move cementing the King’s close link to cancer and those affected by the disease, he was today appointed patron for Cancer Research UK.

The King was buoyed by the success of his “very positive” appearance at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Easter Sunday.

His doctors are “sufficiently pleased” with his recovery and “remain positive” while the King himself is “greatly encouraged” to be returning to work.

The King’s aides were today stressing that not every patient is well enough or chooses to return to work while they are undergoing treatment.

It comes as the Princess of Wales, 42, continues to have preventative treatment for cancer with no date set for her public return.

And the only confirmed outing the King has in his diary will be to host the incoming State Visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan
It is hoped he could appear at Trooping the Colour in June, with sources saying he wants to make the event on horseback.

He is also keen to appear on the Normandy beaches with world leaders for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

But the overriding feeling among those who watched the King, aided by the Queen, return to public-facing front-line duty was it was good to see him back.