King Charles III is in high spirits post-surgery, as he attends Sandringham church service with Queen Camilla

This was the King’s first public appearance since his recent hospital stay

Max Mumby/Indigo

King Charles III appeared in high spirits, as he attended a service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate, with Queen Camilla on Sunday. This is the first public appearance that the King has made since being discharged from the hospital last week for treatment of an enlarged prostate. He waved to photographers and supporters, before heading inside the church. Services at St Mary Magdalene form a familiar part of the King’s routine when staying at Sandringham; his return to attendance at St Mary Magdalene will likely represent a welcome return to normality for him. The church is also known as the worshipping venue of choice for the royal family around the Christmas holidays.

The King waved to supporters, as he was joined by Queen Camilla and The Reverend Canon Dr Paul Williams

Max Mumby/Indigo

The King has had a quiet start 2024; focusing on rest in preparation for treatment of his recent prostate issue. As he underwent the treatment, he spent three nights at The London Clinic, a private hospital located in Marylebone, London. He was discharged on 29 January after spending the weekend at the medical facility. Upon leaving, he waved to loyal supporters who greeted him outside but did not stay to offer any words. His condition was understood to be benign.

The King’s perhaps surprising decision to announce publicly his condition was intended to raise awareness of prostate-related issues in men. The NHS website is understood to have seen considerably increased traffic – driven by people inquiring about the condition – since the King made his diagnosis public. Buckingham Palace confirmed that The King’s future royal engagements have been rescheduled to ‘to allow for a period of private recuperation.’ The Royal Family’s official social media account nonetheless thanked the public for their support and said that ‘His Majesty is delighted that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.’