King Charles cancer latest: Harry returns to Heathrow airport after just 26 hours

The Prince of Wales said the royal family appreciate the “kind messages” they have received following the King’s cancer diagnosis.

Arriving at a gala dinner for London’s Air Ambulance on Wednesday evening, William waved to people gathered outside the venue in central London.

He said: “We really appreciate everyone’s kind messages, thank you.”

An NHS nurse who met King Charles at a Marie Curie hospice event said the openness the monarch has shown around his cancer diagnosis is “absolutely fantastic” as she wished him a “full recovery”.

Michelle Beaver, 51, a cardiology nurse at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, met the King twice in 2019: first in Liverpool at the 60th anniversary of the Marie Curie Hospice, of which Charles is a patron; and again at a garden party held at Buckingham Palace which Ms Beaver was invited to attend.

She said Charles was “really down to earth”, “lovely” and “made everyone feel special”, adding that the awareness he has raised around getting checked for signs of cancer has been “absolutely fantastic”.

Former England striker Ellen White, who was part of England’s Euro 2022 winning team, spoke to Prince William during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

It was a return to work for the royal who had taken time off to support his family after the Princess of Wales underwent planned abdominal surgery on January 16.

White, who was made an MBE for services to football, passed on to William her “best wishes” for the King, and sympathised with the monarchy, saying it must be a “difficult” time for the royal family.

She said afterwards: “I sent my best wishes to the King.

“I just think, you know, it must be a difficult time for the family.”

The gala dinner is to raise money for London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s Up Against Time appeal. The charity is aiming to raise £15m to repalce its helicopter fleet.

Prince William is a former air ambulance pilot and has been a patron at the charity since 2020.

He is expected to give a short speech later this evening.

Also in attendance is actor Tom Cruise, who was seen greeting the Prince of Wales at the gala dinner.

Politicans weighed in with their support for the King at PMQs on Wednesday.

Rishi Sunak said: “I know the thoughts of the House and the country are with the King and his family.

“We wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and look forward to him resuming his public-facing duties in due course.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn also expressed their support for the King.

The King holds a private weekly audience with the Prime Minister to discuss Government matters.

Though the King is meant to remain politically neutral on all matters, he is able to “advise and warn” his ministers – including Mr Sunak – when necessary.

The cancer diagnosis of the King has shocked many in the nation, with some quick to show their support.

Among them have been Anne Daley, from Cardiff, and Grace Gothard, from London, who arrived at Windsor Castle with a carboard cutout of King Charles III on Monday evening.

The King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun a schedule of regular treatments, and while he has postponed public duties he “remains wholly positive about his treatment”.

Tens of thousands of patients are diagnosed with cancer while they are being tested for another condition, just like King Charles.

Latest figures show more than 27,000 people were being treated for cancer on the NHS after having what’s known as an incidental diagnosis – when the condition is found during testing or treatment for something else.

Read the full story from The Independent’s health correspondent Rebecca Thomas:

The reason why King Charles and Prince Harry’s first face-to-face meeting in more than a year was so short has been revealed.

The Duke of Sussex flew to the UK from California on Tuesday to see his father following his cancer diagnosis. According to several sources, the meeting was very brief and lasted less than an hour.

Harry then reportedly spent the night at a London hotel rather than staying at one of the royal residences, before he was spotted at Heathrow airport preparing to leave the UK on Wednesday afternoon.

Sunday Times Royal Editor Roya Nikkhah revealed that the reason behind this could be down to the King’s health.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, Ms Nikkhah said: “The King was very tired after the procedure he had had the day before.

“I’m sure Harry would have loved to have spent more time with him, but he’s probably quite respectful of his dad going through his treatment.”