CARING KING JOINS CANCER CRUSADE

COMPASSIONATE King Charles is vowing to support fellow cancer sufferers after returning to public duties for the first time since his own diagnosis.

- Emily Ferguson

The monarch will meet patients and staff at a cancer hospital next week to high-light the search for a cure.

He has had a specific interest in treatment for decades and now intends to bring his campaigning zeal to highlight the battle to beat what he once called this "beastly disease".

This first engagement is particularly poignant as daughter-in-law Kate revealed last month she too has been diagnosed with cancer.

Buckingham Palace Palace revealed Charles, 75, "will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation".

Aides said his medical team are "very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King's continued recovery". The Palace also confirmed that Charles and Queen Camilla will visit a cancer unit on Tuesday.

He has met hundreds of people with the disease and has been patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for more than 25 years.

The King is also patron of several other cancer charities, including Marie Curie Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now. Tuesday's engagement is his first public-facing event since January 7. It is intended to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and will highlight innovative work, supported by Cancer Research UK.

Charles's decision to share his cancer diagnosis with the public was widely praised and triggered a surge in visits to cancer information and support websites.

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Searches for NHS cancer advice increased by 51% in the 24 hours after the announcement.

Hits on Macmillan's website soared by 42% on the day.