King Charles III is said to be feeling "very good," as he returns to public-facing royal duties after a series of three-month-long cancer treatments, which are ongoing.
"I think people won’t be surprised to know that he’s completely charming and always calm," Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mourdant told an outlet.
"And he’s also got a really good sense of humor as well," the Lord President of the Privy Council added. "But he’s always asking about how things are going, particularly issues that we’re dealing with in Parliament or about particular groups who he knows are having a rough time. He’s always asking after those people, so he cares a great deal, and he’s a delight to work with."
Mourdant won social media fame when she was extensively photographed at the monarch's coronation, which celebrated its 1-year anniversary on Monday, May 6. The House Leader was tasked with carrying the Sword of State throughout the long ceremony, which Mourdant later said was "very heavy."
"I was determined and very excited, but also very nervous," Mourdant said of bearing the ancient sword. "The sword was very heavy. The question I'd always asked myself when I was doing drill practice with my reserve unit in the pouring rain every Tuesday night was, why am I doing this now? I know why it was, so I could hold that sword at the Coronation. Actually, the adrenaline of the day just carries you, carries you through it."
When asked how the sovereign is doing, she replied: "He's very good. And I know that he would have been so pleased to get back to public duties. He would have missed it tremendously. I think everyone is really pleased to see him back, and I know that he wants to do more, so it’s been a good week."
On Friday, May 3, His Majesty attended the Windsor Horse Trials on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where he was warmly embraced by his niece Zara Tindall, who looked overjoyed to see her uncle out and about.
Sporting a substantial parka coat for protection against the elements, the 75-year-old sovereign appeared joyous to attend the third day of the event, merely three days following his return to public engagements.
Every year, the global gathering draws passionate participants to Windsor Castle's grounds for international contests in show jumping, dressage, driving and endurance. This week marked the monarch's first return to public engagements since disclosing his cancer diagnosis in early February. On Tuesday, April 30, the King and Queen Camilla visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, where they engaged with patients and staff.
The Sun reported on Mourdant's comments.
