King Charles may still be undergoing cancer treatment, but that hasn’t stopped him from stepping back into public life with his trademark humour and warmth.
On a rainy September day, the 76-year-old monarch opened the brand-new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, where he shared candid conversations with patients and staff—offering hope, empathy, and even a few lighthearted jokes along the way.
Speaking Openly About His Health
During the visit, the King was asked by a fellow cancer patient how he was doing.
With a smile, Charles replied, “I’m not too bad,” before reflecting on the importance of early detection.
He noted that while battling cancer is never easy, doctors are “better at dealing” with the disease these days and that there is “always hope down the road.”
He later joked about ageing, telling one patient that “bits don’t work so well once you get past 70,” showing his ability to keep spirits high despite his own ongoing treatment.
A Heartfelt Meeting with Fellow Patients
One of the most poignant moments came when Charles met 74-year-old Matthew Shinda, who is in the late stages of prostate cancer.
Matthew told the King, “I’ve got what you’ve got. Last stage. I could go today, I could go tomorrow.”
The monarch leaned in with gentle reassurance, asking if he was receiving the right care and praising the “marvellous nurses.”
Charles added, “As long as they’re making you comfortable,” to which Matthew agreed.
The exchange turned lighter when Matthew joked about wanting a drink.
Charles laughed, replying he should have brought whisky, quipping that it’s “supposed to be very good for the heart.”
Stories of Strength and Shared Memories
The King also spoke with Jacqueline Page, 85, who is living with her own health challenges.
She reminded him that her father had once met him during a visit to Birmingham in 1978.
With a grin, Charles recalled flying the helicopter himself back then, thanks to his Navy training.
Elsewhere, he greeted retired milkman Philip Barnard, who is battling lung cancer, and reassured him about the “huge progress in treatment.”
Each meeting was filled with a mix of compassion, humour, and shared understanding, leaving patients uplifted by his presence.
Celebrating a New Era for Healthcare
The hospital itself marked a major milestone. Officially opened in October 2024, it is one of the largest hospitals to launch in England in the last decade, serving 750,000 people across Sandwell and West Birmingham.
As the King unveiled a plaque, Sir David Nicholson, former NHS chief and now chairman of the hospital, described the occasion as a day of “immense pride” for the community and a moment that would benefit generations to come.
Meeting the First Baby Born in the Hospital
In a touching scene, Charles met tiny Hernata Yonas, the first baby born at the new hospital—arriving just 90 minutes after the maternity ward opened.
The little one’s proud parents introduced her to the monarch as crowds cheered warmly from the sidelines.
Queen Camilla Returns to Duty
While Charles was at the hospital, Queen Camilla was busy with her own royal engagement.
Looking elegant in a white dress she had last worn at Wimbledon, the 78-year-old braved the rain to visit New Normandy Barracks in Aldershot.
As Royal Colonel, she spent time chatting with members of the 4th Battalion of The Ranger Regiment and their families, sharing smiles, handshakes, and plenty of encouragement.
A Spiritual Stop in Birmingham
Before cutting the ribbon at the hospital, Charles also visited the Birmingham Oratory, founded in the 19th century by Cardinal John Henry Newman.
He admired historic religious artifacts, including an original 1657 Bible and Newman’s viola from 1800.
The King, who had attended Newman’s canonisation in Rome back in 2019, seemed animated as he toured the ornate church, sharing stories from his time in the Navy and recalling past visits with warmth.
A Full Day for the Royal Couple
Between hospital visits, military duties, and spiritual tours, the royal couple’s day was packed.
Yet what shone through most was Charles’s humanity—his ability to connect with people in the toughest of times.
Whether joking about whisky, recalling his Navy flying days, or offering hope to patients, the King showed that even in the face of illness, he remains committed to his role, to public service, and to lifting the spirits of those he meets.