Queen Camilla Shares What's 'Cheering' Up King Charles Since His Cancer News Was Revealed

Stephanie Petit
·3-min read

The Queen returned to royal duty for the first time since her husband's cancer diagnosis was made public and gave a quick update on how he's doing

<p>Samir Hussein/WireImage</p> King Charles and Queen Camilla on his 75th birthday in Nov. 2023

Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles and Queen Camilla on his 75th birthday in Nov. 2023

Queen Camilla gave a brief but reassuring update on King Charles following the news of his cancer diagnosis.

The Queen, 76, stepped out on Thursday for the first time since the palace revealed that her husband, 75, had started treatment for a form of cancer. At the musical evening supporting local charities at Salisbury Cathedral, Queen Camilla said, "He is doing extremely well under the circumstances. He is very touched by all of the letters and messages the public have been sending from everywhere. That’s very cheering," according to royal reporter Rebecca English.

After undergoing a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate last month, Buckingham Palace revealed on Monday that the King has cancer.

"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," the palace said in a statement.

<p>Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty</p> Queen Camilla arrives at Salisbury Cathedral on Feb. 8, 2024

Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty

Queen Camilla arrives at Salisbury Cathedral on Feb. 8, 2024

Related: Prince William Admits Past Weeks Have Had 'Medical Focus,' Thanks Fans (and Tom Cruise!) in Heartfelt Speech

While the King will continue his work behind the scenes, he has postponed public-facing duties on the advice of doctors.

"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," the statement added. "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

<p>Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty</p> Queen Camilla at the Salisbury Cathedral on Feb. 8, 2024

Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty

Queen Camilla at the Salisbury Cathedral on Feb. 8, 2024

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Queen Camilla has been by her husband's side in recent days, from attending church on Sunday at St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham before the news was revealed to accompanying him from London back to Sandringham on Tuesday.

“She is his strength and stay like [Prince Philip] was for the late Queen,” a palace insider tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week's issue. “She will be great. She will rally him, she will buoy him. She is amazing. She equips him to do the job he has to do.”

<p>Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty</p> Queen Camilla arrives at Salisbury Cathedral on Feb. 8, 2024

Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty

Queen Camilla arrives at Salisbury Cathedral on Feb. 8, 2024

Related: King Charles Is a 'Fighter': 'He Will Come Through' Cancer Diagnosis, Says Source (Exclusive)

At the same time, she is continuing to represent the monarchy — especially as Kate Middleton continues her recovery from abdominal surgery last month. The Princess of Wales, 42, is not expected to return to public outings until after Easter, the palace previously said.

Prince William had cleared his schedule to help his wife during her recovery and take care of their three young children, but he returned to royal duties on Wednesday. The Prince of Wales, 41, conducted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on behalf of his father and attended London’s Air Ambulance Charity gala dinner.

“It is hard with Kate being ill as well, but he will step up,” a source close to the royal household tells PEOPLE.

Karwai Tang/WireImage Kate Middleton, Prince William, Queen Camilla and King Charles in 2021
Karwai Tang/WireImage Kate Middleton, Prince William, Queen Camilla and King Charles in 2021

Those close to the family were shocked by King Charles' cancer diagnosis, royal biographer Robert Hardman tells PEOPLE exclusively that the King is "a fighter" who "has an inner steel."

“He’s philosophical and stoical and has a deeper faith than people appreciate," Hardman adds.

Says a source close to the royal household, “He is a positive person and has a really healthy attitude to looking after his body. Cancer treatment has come a long, long way. He will come through.”

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