King Charles waves cheerfully while leaving hospital with Queen Camilla – as he takes time out for ‘private recovery’
KING Charles has been spotted waving cheerfully while leaving the hospital with Queen Camilla – as he takes time out for “private recovery”.
The Monarch, 75, checked-in to The London Clinic on Friday with the Queen by his side ahead of the planned procedure.
It was announced nearly two weeks ago that Charles would go in for surgery for an “enlarged prostate”.
After originally only expecting to spend one night in hospital, the King stayed in over the weekend.
Charles has now been given the all-clear to head back home where he can finish his recovery.
As he left the clinic on Monday afternoon, he smiled and waved to crowds – appearing to be in good health.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said he will now pause royal duties to recover.
The palace said: “The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation.
“He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days.”
Queen Camilla arrived at the clinic at around 2pm on Monday ahead of Charles’ departure.
It comes just hours after Princess Kate was also allowed to head home to Windsor.
Kensington Palace said she “is making good progress” as she was discharged from the clinic after abdominal surgery 13 days ago.
Camilla was previously pictured arriving to visit Charles on Saturday.
She smiled as she entered the hospital’s back entrance in a black Audi car at noon.
Charles arrived at the private clinic on Friday around 8.45am on Friday where he appeared to be in good spirits ahead of the operation.
Before heading to his room, the King visited his daughter-in-law Kate.
After Camilla spent the day waiting for the monarch to finish in the operating room, she left to head home.
But not before telling crowds of people: “He’s fine, thank you.”
It recently emerged Charles wished to be treated at the same hospital to avoid a double security bill.
If the King had chosen to have surgery at the Royal Family’s favoured hospital – King Edward VII’s – a second bodyguard detail may have costed up to £14,000 more.
“With the Princess similarly at the Clinic, shared resourcing has been possible with regards to public policing,” an insider told The Express.
King Charles had been absent from royal duties while awaiting the “corrective procedure” and is expected to miss upcoming events while he recovers.
At the weekend Queen Camilla told well-wishers in Swindon that Charles is “fine”.
A statement last week said: “In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
“His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.
“The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
The Princess of Wales also headed home today where she will finish recovery.
She is said to be taking a step back from public duties until March.
Kate had been expected to spend between 10 and 14 days recovering in hospital before going home to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Sources claimed at the weekend that Kate’s commitment to her royal duties will see her get back into work as soon as she can.
She is said to have plans to work from bed now she’s back home.
Kate’s husband Prince William, 41, visited her every day at the clinic in Marylebone, central London.
Meanwhile, children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis had not been to see their mum to keep life “normal”, as they continued going to school.
Kate’s parents were also said to have cleared their schedule to help with the children.
ROYAL OPERATIONS: How the health scares facing Charles & Kate unfolded
With King Charles and the Princess of Wales undergoing surgery at the same hospital, here is a timeline of the health troubles facing the two royals.
Tuesday, January 16: Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery.
Wednesday, January 17: Kensington Palace announces the princess’ operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days.
Over an hour later, Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days.
Thursday, January 18: Prince William spends time at his wife’s bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
The Queen says the King is “fine” and “looking forward to getting back to work” during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery
Friday, January 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure.
Monday, January 22: The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is “fine”, and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon.
Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: “The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.”
Thursday, January 25: The King arrives back in London from Sandringham ready for his treatment.
Friday, January 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who was recovering in the same hospital.