The photo was taken on April 10, the day after Charles and Camilla’s 19th wedding anniversary (Image: Buckingham Palace/PA Wire)
Buckingham Palace has released a statement this evening sharing an update on King Charles’ health following his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Palace officials announced that Charles “will shortly return to public-facing duties” following cancer treatment.
Charles and his wife Camilla will visit a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, which will be “the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead”.
The royal health update was released alongside a new, romantic photograph of Charles and Camilla – and here’s all the subtle details that viewers may have missed in the eagerly-anticipated snap.
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King Charles can be looking adoringly at his wife (Image: Buckingham Palace/PA Wire)
1. Choice of photographer
The photograph was taken by Millie Pilkington, a friend of the Middleton family, who regularly snaps informal portraits of the Royal Family, including Kate, the Princess of Wales, Prince William and their three children.
2. Date photo was taken
The photo was taken on April 10, the day after Charles and Camilla’s 19th wedding anniversary.
The fact the photo was taken over two weeks ago is hopefully a small positive sign.
Presumably good progress was already being made back then for the photoshoot to be arranged.
And the fact that a statement has been made today suggests that good progress has continued over the last two weeks.
3. Charles’s romantic side
The romantic side of the couple is also on full display.
Charles can be seen looking lovingly at his wife, while Camilla, who is looking at the camera, has her arms linked around Charles’ left arm.
They even appear to have put some thought into wearing matching colours with Camilla’s blue dress and Charles’s tie helping ensure nothing clashes in the photo.
4. How relaxed the couple look
The photo shows a more laid-back side to the couple.
Although they are dressed in designer clothes, eagle-eyed viewers can see that two of the King’s three suit buttons are undone, showing off a more casual approach.
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5. The background
The background of the photo displays flowers in full spring bloom in the Buckingham Palace Gardens.
The flowering background mirrors the background of Princess Kate’s emotional cancer announcement video in March.
The Palace Gardens, spread over 42 acres, are home to over 1,000 trees, 325 specimens of wild plants and 35 different bird species including some not usually found in London.
Charles is well-known for his love of flowers, gardening, and nature.
After the furore around Princess Kate’s edited Mother’s Day photo, it may even have been a deliberate decision to take the photo outside, with the flowers in the background being evidently from this season.
Charles, well-known for his love of nature, previously in the Buckingham Palace Gardens (Image: GETTY)
6. Camilla’s dress
Camilla is wearing an indigo day dress with velvet detail by Fiona Clare, one of Her Majesty’s long-time favourite designers.
She regularly wears Fiona Clare’s designs, such as recently for the Royal Maundy Money Service at Worcester Cathedral.
7. Nod to Coronation
The photograph has also been released to mark the upcoming anniversary of Charles and Camilla’s coronation, which took place on May 6 last year.
The full statement from the Palace 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.
“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.”
Buckingham Palace statement in full
Alongside the photograph, Buckingham Palace released a statement detailing when Charles will be back at work.
A spokesperson said: “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.
“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.”
