King Charles' two word response as he's asked about health during hospital visit

King Charles issued an update on his cancer treatment during his first public-facing event since his diagnosis earlier this year. The monarch visited University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London alongside Queen Camilla.

He spoke with staff who provide pioneering treatment and learned about the latest treatments available. The 75-year-old also spoke with one cancer patient and offered sympathy during the tour today, reports MirrorOnline.

When asked about the state of his health, he offered a reassuring response, saying "I'm well". It was the king's first public-facing event since February when he was diagnosis.

READ MORE: Prince William offers 9 word update on Kate Middleton during royal visit

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King Charles also bravely spoke of his diagnosis and shock at receiving the news himself. He went on an impromptu walkabout where he met staff members who had stopped to catch a glimpse of him and Queen Camilla.

King Charles also spoke with one cancer patient who had received chemotherapy treatment in a day unit among many others. He told Lesley Woodbridge, 63 as he held her hand: “It’s always a bit of a shock isn’t it, when they tell you.”

Charles went on to say: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.” The head of state has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February, and on Friday it was announced he would be returning to public-facing duties.

The development indicated the positive progress Charles is making after almost three months of cancer care as an outpatient. When quizzed about his health by one patient during the visit, he replied: “I’m all right thank you very much, not too bad.” Asha Millen, 60, who is receiving chemotherapy for bone marrow cancer, chatted to the King as he met patients in the chemotherapy day unit. She asked Charles about his own health, saying: “I said ‘how are you?’ and he said ‘I’m well’.”

Charles later asked one male patient whether he was using a cold cap – a device aimed at preventing hair loss during chemotherapy – and the King was heard to say it can 'help'. The King and Queen both asked patients they spoke to about side-effects, particularly loss of appetite and taste, and tiredness.

Camilla left her husband for a few minutes and made her way to side cubicles, where she spoke to patients about their treatment. "There’s a real feeling of calm here," she said to Judy Parkinson. "Everybody in the same boat, everyone can identify."

Patting the 69-year-old’s arm as she left, the Queen said: "I wish you the very best of luck, it’s a huge pleasure to meet you." Mrs Parkinson, who laughed as she heard the moment described as "two queens having a chat", said: "I like it when people speak to you eye to eye. That’s what my mum taught me, and that’s what she did. Those were genuine questions being asked."

Earlier, Charles looked emotional as he made his long-awaited return to public-facing duties on arriving at the centre. He has been a patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for more than 20 years - and it has now been revealed that he is now also a patron of Cancer Research UK, which is "dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information". Today's visit was aimed at raising awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis and the couple heard about innovative research into the disease.

As the new patron of Cancer Research UK, the King also met Cancer Research UK's chief clinician Professor Charlie Swanton, who has led a project called TRACERx tackling lung and other cancers. Aside from attending an Easter Sunday church service, the King has until now stayed away from public events. Buckingham Palace gave an update on Friday on the King's condition and his return to public-facing duties.

The Palace said the King was still undergoing cancer treatment and it was too early to say how long it would continue. But a Palace spokesperson said: "… His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery".

Charles' diary of forthcoming events will not be a full summer programme, with his attendance announced nearer the time "subject to doctors' advice", according to the Palace. The warmer summer months provide an ideal opportunity to host events outside, which will minimise the King's risk of picking up illnesses from other people in confined spaces.

In January, Charles spent three nights in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which his undisclosed cancer was discovered. Elsewhere today, Prince William is carrying out engagements in the North East, visiting an Earthshot Prize finalist firm which makes low-carbon construction materials in Seaham, County Durham, and opening James’s Place – a centre offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men in Newcastle.

A previously unseen portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales was released by Kensington Palace on Monday in celebration of the couple's 13th wedding anniversary. Kate, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, married future king William in 2011.

The photograph by Millie Pilkington – who took the most recent picture of the King and Queen to mark Charles' return to public duties – shows William and Kate on their wedding day. The black and white image was posted on the Waleses’ social media accounts on Monday, captioned "13 years ago today!".