King Charles breaks cover and waves to wellwishers as he misses royal memorial
King Charles has been spotted waving to wellwishers after missing a close friend's memorial service that saw the royals out in force.
The monarch, 75, was seen being driven into Clarence House this afternoon as Queen Camilla led members of the Royal Family at a memorial at Windsor Castle for the late King Constantine of Greece. Charles, 75, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer just over a fortnight ago, is not carrying out public duties while he has treatment. Constantine was a first cousin once removed and sailing partner of the late Duke of Edinburgh and died at the age of 82 in January last year, decades after being toppled from the throne in a military coup.
The Royal Family during the service at Windsor Castle today (PA)The King had a close friendship with him, choosing him as a godfather for his son William, now the Prince of Wales. However, William also pulled out of attending a memorial service for the late King due to a personal matter.
Kensington Palace would not elaborate further but it is his decision is not understood to be down to the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from abdominal surgery and continues to be doing well. Kate is taking time away from official royal engagements until after Easter following major surgery in January. Dozens of foreign royals travelled to Windsor to attend the service, but the King is not expected to have met them privately. Constantine's eldest son Crown Prince Pavlos stepped in to give the reading in William's place.
Queen Camilla with Princess Anne and Queen Anne Marie of Greece after the service today (PA)Prince Andrew led family members including his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, Princess Beatrice, the Princess Royal and Zara and Mike Tindall, who arrived at the chapel after being driven to the castle quadrangle by coach. The final member of the British royal family to arrive was Queen Camilla, who was driven down from the castle to the 15th-century chapel. She was warmly greeted by the Dean of Windsor, the Right Rev Christopher Cocksworth, at the Galilee Porch.
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The King was close to his second cousin Constantine, who was a first cousin once removed and sailing partner of the late Duke of Edinburgh. Constantine died at the age of 82 in January last year, decades after being toppled from the throne in a military coup. Charles was unable to attend Constantine’s funeral in Athens last year because of commitments which included meeting the president of Cyprus. The Princess Royal represented him at the service.
Last week, it emerged that the King's spirits had been lifted by more than 7,000 get well soon cards. Many of the messages of support during his cancer battle have made him laugh and some have been so moving he has welled up. One of the cards to have affected him the most was from a child who told the King: "Never give up. Be brave."
Aides said he has taken great comfort in the messages, adding: "They have also been a source of frequent laughter and good cheer." In a video posted on the Royal Family's social media channels, Charles is sitting at a desk at the Palace chuckling at a card. It shows a disgruntled dog, which is wearing a collar after receiving medical treatment, saying: "At least you don't have to wear a cone." Many people have shared their own experiences of cancer. One well-wisher said: "I wanted to tell you I am thinking of you as you face your own diagnosis and treatment and send prayers and every good wish for a speedy recovery."
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