TL;DR
King Charles visited the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre at York Hospital this week, meeting patients and staff. The King later attended a production of The Tempest in Stratford-upon-Avon. The Royal Household has published the schedule.
King Charles met patients and staff who have worked on the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre at York Hospital this week, before travelling on to Stratford-upon-Avon to attend a production of The Tempest. The Royal Household has published the schedule and statements from both engagements, which sit alongside the King's wider patronages of UK cancer support and Shakespearean heritage.
York Macmillan Cancer Centre visit
The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre at York Hospital provides chemotherapy, outpatient cancer treatment and supportive care across North Yorkshire. The centre is named after the philanthropist whose foundation contributed to the building.
King Charles met patients receiving treatment, oncology consultants and the wider clinical team. The visit follows the Royal Household's regular updates on the King's own treatment and his patronage of UK cancer charities including Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK.
Production of The Tempest at Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the headquarters of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Tempest is one of Shakespeare's late plays and was performed at the RSC's main house during the King's visit.
The Royal Shakespeare Company holds a long association with the royal family, with the late Queen Elizabeth II as patron until 2022 and the King continuing patronage roles in the wider Shakespeare heritage network including the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Royal patronages connected to the visits
King Charles holds longstanding patronages with Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The patronages reflect a wider personal interest in cancer care that has come into focus since the King's own diagnosis.
Shakespeare-related patronages include the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. The King has spoken about Shakespeare's continuing cultural importance on several public occasions.
How royal visits are organised
Royal visits to hospitals and cultural institutions are arranged through the Royal Communications team in collaboration with the host venue and the relevant patronage office. Security and logistics are handled by the Royalty and Specialist Protection unit.
The Court Circular records each engagement after the event. Future engagements are published up to eight weeks in advance on royal.uk under the diary page.
Where to follow official updates
Royal.uk publishes statements, photographs and the published schedule for each engagement. The Press Association distributes images to UK and international news outlets under standard royal photography rules.
Each charity or institution the King visits also publishes its own statement and photographs through its communications channels. Press releases from York Hospital and the Royal Shakespeare Company accompanied the visits.
Key facts
- York Macmillan Cancer Centre visit covered patients and staff.
- King attended The Tempest in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Patronages include Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK.
- Royal Shakespeare Company is among Shakespeare heritage patronages.
- Court Circular records each engagement.
FAQ
Where did the King visit this week?
The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre at York Hospital, followed by a production of The Tempest at Stratford-upon-Avon. The Royal Household has published the schedule and statements.
Why did the King visit the cancer centre?
King Charles holds longstanding patronages with Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The visit followed the wider focus on cancer care that has come into prominence since the King's own diagnosis.
What is the King's connection to the Royal Shakespeare Company?
Shakespeare-related patronages include the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. The late Queen Elizabeth II was patron of the RSC until 2022, with the King continuing patronage roles in the wider Shakespeare heritage network.
Where can I read the official statement?
Royal.uk carries the official statements and photographs from each engagement. The Court Circular records each engagement after the event in the Times and Telegraph Court & Social sections.
