King Charles looking upbeat at latest royal outing

Bang Showbiz|Published 4 months ago

Britain's King Charles III (C) speaks with guests during a reception at St Paul's Cathedral for business leaders following an International Investment Summit, in central London on October 14, 2024. Picture: Lucy North/POOL/AFP

King Charles grinned as he arrived at a celebrity dinner reception at St Paul’s Cathedral.

The monarch, 75, who has been battling an undisclosed form of cancer since February, was seen beaming as he shook hands with guests at the Monday evening event in London, which is being held following the British government’s International Investment Summit.

DailyMail.com reported he was kitted out in a navy suit teamed with a patterned blue and white tie, adorned by a matching handkerchief.

It said he smiled as he chatted with international business leaders, along with other VIPs including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Britain's King Charles III (L) shares a joke with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) during a reception at St Paul's Cathedral for business leaders following an International Investment Summit, in central London. Picture: Lucy North/Pool/AFP

A dinner for the event was prepared by three Michelin-starred chef, Clare Smyth, and Sir Elton John, 77, was set to perform at the gathering.

Sir Lucian Grainge, the chair of Universal Music Group, told The Guardian: “(Elton) is an ambassador. He wanted to be here.”

Elton has had years-long links to the royal family, famously performing at Princess Diana’s funeral.

The singer also attended the late Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee concert in 2012 and appearing onstage next to the monarch and today’s king and queen, Charles and Camilla.

Charles’ appearance comes as he gears up for an 11-day tour of Australia and Samoa from October 18 to 26

He is reportedly taking two doctors and a supply of his blood on the trip.

According to a report by The Times, the king will be “monitored closely during the visit”, with a palace source adding Michael Dixon – head of the royal medical household and known for his interest in homeopathy – “will not be travelling” with His Majesty.

Charles’ visit to Sydney and Canberra will be his first to a Commonwealth realm since becoming king in May, and it is understood he is pausing his chemotherapy treatment until after the trip.

Bang Showbiz