Queen Camilla returns to royal duties after her summer holiday - and gives an update on King Charles's health

 Queen Camilla provided a rare public update on the King’s health today/yesterday, assuring well-wishers he is: ‘Doing very well.’

She was speaking as she officially opened a new Dyson Cancer Centre in Bath, a visit which no doubt had added emotional edge given her husband’s own cancer diagnosis.

His Majesty, who is currently holidaying in Scotland, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in February and is still undergoing weekly treatment.

There has been no official update for a number of weeks but it is understood King Charles has responded better than even his doctors’ most optimistic expectations.

The Queen’s visit to the unit at the Royal United Hospitals included a stop at the Macmillan Wellbeing Hub, a non-clinical space designed to provide practical and emotional support to patients, families, and carers.

When Suzy Moon of the Macmillan Partnership enquired about the King’s wellbeing, the Queen revealed: ‘He is doing very well.’

The trip is Camilla's first since her summer break with the King in Balmoral. 

The royal couple hosted various members of the family at the Scottish castle - include the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as Keir Starmer.

Wearing her hair in a sleek blow-out, the Queen wore glamorous jewellery, including a Van Cleef bangle as well as a friendship bracelet - which has proven a popular royal accessory of late. 

Charles, 75,  has been keen to get back to work following his treatment for cancer.

In May, he revealed he lost his sense of taste during treatment. Buckingham Palace has not yet confirmed details of the King's treatment, with royal officials only saying so far that he is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.

The same month, Camilla revealed Charles was 'thrilled' to return to royal duties and joked that she had been 'trying to hold him back' during his cancer treatment.

The Queen, 77, spoke about the monarch's dedication to his work' during her reception at Buckingham Palace to relaunch the Wash Bags Project today.

The monarch returned to public duties  after doctors said they were pleased with his progress following his cancer diagnosis in February.

Charles, who has been a patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for over 20 years, made a trip to a London treatment centre.

Speaking to Teresa Tideman, chairman of In Kind Direct, the Queen said: 'I think he was really thrilled to be out.'

Giving insight into how Charles has been feeling the past few months, Camilla added: 'I've been trying to hold him back.'

In response, Ms Tidman joked: 'Good luck with that.'

The King - who is still undergoing cancer treatment - was accompanied by the Queen, who is president of cancer support charity Maggie's, and the pair were presented with posies after meeting with staff and patients in the cancer centre.

The new Dyson Cancer Centre brings together the majority of the Royal United Hospital’s cancer services, including a research hub, chemotherapy and radiotherapy services, a 22-bed in-patient ward, a dedicated pharmacy and nuclear medicine and physics teams under one roof.

Construction of the centre began in 2021 after supporters (more than 11,000 people donated in total) raised more than £10 million. The centre was backed by an additional £40m in Government funding and opened to patients in April this year.

In the Macmillan Wellbeing Hub, a non-clinical, calming space where patients, families and carers can receive practical and emotional support, Her Majesty will meet patients and hear about the support they’ve received at the centre. Her Majesty will also meet clinical staff and patients receiving treatment in the Medlock Unit (Chemotherapy and Day Unit).

After touring the William Budd inpatient ward, meeting in-patients and clinical staff, Her Majesty will be invited to join a Reception in the Main Atrium with those involved in the centre’s construction, supporters and other members of staff.

The Queen unveiled a plaque officially opening the Dyson Cancer Centre.

Later, Camilla will head to Stonegate Farmers in Lacock, where Her Majesty The Queen will join Chief Executive, Adrian Gott in meeting members of the team and hearing about their work.

In 1926, Stonegate Farmers began when the farmers from Stonegate village got together to form one of the first egg cooperatives in the country. Together, they collected their produceand packed the eggs carefully before taking them to market to sell. Today, nearly 100 years later, Stonegate Farmers is a thriving and innovative business which also advocates for sustainable and ethical farming practices. 

Every week, Stonegate Farmers handles more than eighteen million eggs from farms across the UK.

From a viewing gallery, Her Majesty will have an opportunity to see activity in the main production area where eggs, including the Clarence Court range, are packed. 

Her Majesty will meet members of the team, some of whom have worked for the company for over forty years, and farmers who work closely with the business. 

During the visit, Her Majesty will view a display of Stonegate’s Elephant Family decorated Egg Hunt eggs. 

In partnership with Elephant Family, Clarence Court eggs launched The Little Egg in March 2024 to raise funds for the Elephant Family’s projects. The launch featured largescale egg-shaped installations which celebrated art, philanthropy, and Easter merriment. 

Their Majesties The King and Queen are Joint Royal Presidents of the Elephant Family, a charity which aims to prevent the extinction of Asian elephants and protect their forests, and the diverse wildlife that shares their habitat. After meeting staff including from the finance, marketing and operations teams, Her Majesty will unveil a plaque officially opening the new facility.