'I'm still alive': King Charles III jokes about his health during east London visit with Indian-origin Sikh representative

King Charles III made a light-hearted comment about his health on Friday, joking that he was "still alive" while meeting members of the east London community in Waltham Forest. The remark came after Harvinder Rattan, a self-employed Indian-origin Sikh faith representative, asked the monarch, "Your Majesty, good morning, how are you?" Charles replied with a smile, "I'm still alive."

The visit to Waltham Forest Town Hall marked the royal couple’s final public engagement of the year, celebrating community cohesion in east London. During the event, Queen Camilla donated toys to children in asylum hotels and food to a local food bank, Highams Park Hub.



The King also interacted with young people, emergency service personnel, community volunteers, and faith leaders, even giving a high five to Monwara Ali, CEO of Waltham Forest Community Hub.

Reflecting on the moment, Ali said, “It’s important that our generation, particularly those in leadership roles, need to engage with the younger generation; it’s part of our succession plan. He was happy to do it, and the fact he agreed was amazing.”

Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. The illness was discovered in January during a routine procedure for a benign enlarged prostate.

The King resumed public duties in April after a brief withdrawal, gradually increasing his engagements throughout the year.

Palace sources confirmed on Friday that his treatment has been progressing positively. “As a managed condition, the treatment cycle will continue into next year,” a source stated.

Charles in February expressed gratitude for public support, saying, “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.” He also noted how sharing his diagnosis had helped raise awareness about the condition and the work of organisations supporting cancer patients and their families.

The royal couple's visit came a day after hosting a pre-Christmas lunch for the extended royal family at Buckingham Palace. They will now retreat to Sandringham for their annual Christmas break, joined by senior members of the family.