06 March 2024 , 14:40
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King Charles raised a half-smile for cheering well-wishers as he attended a rare official appointment today.
The monarch has been keeping a low profile as he undergoes treatment for cancer, but was spotted leaving his home at Clarence House in London to head to Buckingham Palace to meet diplomats.
There, the King, 75, appeared in good spirits and was smiling and shaking hands as the Ambassador of Mauritania, Samba Mamadou, presented his credentials to His Majesty in front of the private audience in London.
The King also met with the Ambassador of Algeria, Nourredine Yazid, and appeared to share a joke as he fondly chuckled. Charles was dressed in black smart attire and a light blue patterned tie, and was met with cheering crowds as he rode on the back of his Rolls-Royce outside.
Charles, 75, was photographed continuing his official royal duties at Buckingham Palace this morning (PA)Although the monarch is not carrying out public duties while he is in treatment, he is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on state papers. Other members of the Royal Family, including Queen Consort Camilla and Prince William, have stepped up to undertake extra royal duties.
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Last month, Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate. He has been continuing to recover at the weekends from the "less invasive" treatment at his country estates Sandringham and Highgrove, after his weekly visits to a London hospital.
Charles was treated in the same hospital as his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, 42, who is recovering from abdominal surgery.
The King shook hands and smiled as he greeted the Ambassador of Mauritania on Wednesday (Getty Images)Also in Charles' absence, Camilla, 76, met Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska at Clarence House on Thursday. Camilla has completed 13 official engagements solo since her husband's condition came to light, including leading the Royal Family at a memorial service for the King's close pal, the late King Constantine of Greece.
But now the Queen Consort is on a break to recharge her batteries. It is believed she jetted off on a private flight for sunny climes on Friday.
Speaking to The Sun, royal expert Ingrid Seward said: "Camilla has had the ultimate worry about her husband’s health. But she has also been the one who has had to step up to the busy schedule of royal engagements as well as wanting to be there for him and Kate whilst they each have their health issues. She certainly deserves some rest and relaxation."
The Prince of Wales will continue royal duties in her and Charles' absence. William, 41, visited Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London on Friday to meet young people representing Jewish students and others helping to combat antisemitism.
He also spent time with Holocaust survivor Renee Salt, 94, and held her hand after she recounted her fears about the rise in hatred and told her: "It must be horrible for all of you worrying about this and I'm sorry it's got to this...it will get better."
William has been very tight-lipped when it comes to discussing his wife as he goes about his duties, but in a sweet moment during a visit to Wrexham, North Wales, to mark St. David's Day, William accepted a bouquet of flowers which he promised to "pass on to Catherine".