Monarch smiles

First pictures of Charles after shock diagnosis

King Charles on Tuesday evening(Bild: AP)

The first pictures of King Charles III have now emerged following his cancer diagnosis. The monarch can be seen in a car with his wife Camilla. He looks exhausted, but in good spirits.

The United Kingdom is worried about its king: Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. He has already started treatment.

The first pictures of the 75-year-old have now been published. The monarch is smiling, accompanied by his wife Camilla. He waves to the people at the side of the road, looking somewhat exhausted.

The pictures of King Charles III:

King Charles III waving to people on the roadside.(Bild: AFP)

King Charles III and his wife Camilla on Tuesday evening(Bild: AFP)

Charles was accompanied by Camilla(Bild: AP)

The head of state's cancer diagnosis comes as a shock to the kingdom.(Bild: AP)

He is in good spirits that he will be able to overcome it and the British media say that he is expected to return to his public duties in March. His doctors are also "very positive".

Nevertheless, all preparations have already been made should he die. "Operation Menai Bridge " is said to have many parallels to "Operation London Bridge" - which was the plan for the Queen's death. This has been repeatedly updated and even rehearsed over decades. So when the regent died in September 2022, everything was ready. The concept surrounding the death of King Charles' father Prince Philip was called "Operation Forth Bridge".

Although King Charles has been on the throne alongside his wife Queen Camilla for just 17 months, concern for him is already growing steadily. Even his son Harry has traveled from the USA to support his father despite their differences.

Cancer discovered during routine surgery
It is said that he has always led a fairly solid, healthy life. Of course, this does not exempt a king from injuries and illnesses. In January 2024, the palace announced that the king had to go to hospital due to an enlarged prostate. The cancer was discovered during the routine procedure.

Princess Kate and King Charles were both operated on at the London Clinic.(Bild: APA/AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

For heir to the throne Prince William, the news of his father's cancer must have come as a shock. His beloved wife was only recently discharged into home care after a lengthy stay in hospital.

Kate had undergone abdominal surgery, but no further details were revealed. Although it is not said to be cancer, the length of her stay in hospital fueled speculation that it could not have been a simple operation. Kate is expected to take a break until after Easter.