The 12 words that suggest King Charles's health really is on the mend

King Charles is set to return to public engagements, a new statement from the Palace has revealed.

The monarch has been carrying on with work behind the scenes after his cancer diagnosis back in February when he revealed to the world that he has been stricken with an undisclosed form of cancer following treatment for an enlarged prostate.

But today Buckingham Palace has given the clearest message yet that his health is on the mend.

The Palace has issued a fresh statement to say that the UK monarch is returning to public-facing duties - and that his first visit will be to a cancer treatment centre. One small detail, just 12 words long, in the statement, relating to this visit offers real hope that Charles is making the positive progress royal fans will be desperate for.

It says: "This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements."

There was no need for Buckingham Palace to confirm at this stage that planning is taking place for more than one engagement, albeit that was inevitably happening.

So the hope must be that there is suitable confidence in the Palace that Charles's current health is robust enough to raise hopes that the public will see him regularly over the weeks ahead.

The statement in full says: “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.”

The statement also says that King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a state visit for The Emperor and Empress of Japan in the summer.

It said: “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.”

And it adds that the pair are thrilled at the support they have received from the public over the course of what’s been a hugely difficult year for the Royal Family - which has included Princess Kate’s illness - an undisclosed form of cancer following abdominal surgery in January.

The statement added: “‌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.”

Express.co.uk reported earlier today, Friday, April 26, that King Charles “definitely” wants to be in France to fulfil his duty on the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.

It’s said that the monarch has made it a personal mission to honour fallen Second World War warriors at a major ceremony, just like his late mother five years ago.

Former Royal Navy officer Charles wants to pay his respects at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer which honours the lionhearts who perished during the mighty air and sea invasion that started on June 6, 1944.

Dickie Arbiter, the late Queen’s spokesman, told the Daily Express: “It’s too much of a big one to miss as it will be the last major anniversary where veterans take part.

“The memorial honours soldiers who served Britain and the Commonwealth and it is incredibly important. He will definitely want to be there.”

Charles is currently undergoing weekly treatment. He was discharged on January 29, but only made news of his diagnosis public on February 5.