ROBERT HARDMAN: When Charles wears his T

His tie said it all. It has been a favourite since he became King, appearing on away days, at Palace receptions and even a trip to church.

Featuring a blue dinosaur pattern on a pink silk background, it is a cheeky play on his official 'Charles III Rex' cypher. Staff know that when 'C-Rex' is wearing his 'T-Rex' tie, he probably has a spring in his step.

And so it was as the King came to the Macmillan Cancer Centre at London's University College Hospital to mark his cautious return to regular public duties for the first time since his own diagnosis in February.

Officials point out that, for now, he is still undergoing treatment. However, he was keen to ram home the point that having cancer need not be a lonely ordeal, nor should it preclude a return to work.

Indeed, for some — himself included — that can be a form of therapy in itself. The fact that his doctors had given the green light to this event points to a much busier royal summer than the one we envisaged a few weeks ago.

His tie said it all. It has been a favourite since he became King, appearing on away days, at Palace receptions and even a trip to church (Pictured: Charles on a visit to University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on April 30)

Featuring a blue dinosaur pattern on a pink silk background, it is a cheeky play on his official 'Charles III Rex' cypher. Staff know that when 'C-Rex' is wearing his 'T-Rex' tie, he probably has a spring in his step

And so it was as the King came to the Macmillan Cancer Centre at London's University College Hospital (pictured) to mark his cautious return to regular public duties for the first time since his own diagnosis in February

It was also noteworthy how tactile he was, shaking hands and then holding on to them, with both palms, in an extra show of reassurance. The presence of Queen Camilla always lifts the mood, as did the response of Londoners going about their business while the State Bentley cruised through the capital.

READ MORE:  'Enthusiastic' King Charles loved being 'centre of attention' at his first public engagement since cancer diagnosis, body language expert claims 

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One member of the entourage later described the 'heartwarming' response, as people realised exactly who was following behind a pair of police outriders.

Visiting heads of state and politicians might insist on tinted glass and speed.

The King and Queen, who prefer plain glass, had obviously made it clear that they were happy tootling along at London's regulation snail's pace and were delighted by the number of people stopping to wave.

As the car passed through Mayfair, two removal men gave each other a delighted high-five.

The last time we saw a press pack this size waiting outside a hospital was for a royal birth.

Here I met some of the same royalist ultras who camped out for the births of George, Charlotte and Louis. I want the King to know he's not alone,' said John Loughrey, a former chef, who this time last year was already sleeping on the Mall ahead of the Coronation.

Waiting to greet the royal couple was the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Ken Olisa. He knows, from personal experience, the impact a royal visit can have on those dealing with a bleak diagnosis.

The presence of Queen Camilla (pictured, left) always lifts the mood, as did the response of Londoners going about their business while the State Bentley cruised through the capital

Officials point out that, for now, he is still undergoing treatment. However, he was keen to ram home the point that having cancer need not be a lonely ordeal, nor should it preclude a return to work

Indeed, for some — himself included — that can be a form of therapy in itself. The fact that his doctors had given the green light to this event points to a much busier royal summer than the one we envisaged a few weeks ago

It was also noteworthy how tactile he was, shaking hands and then holding on to them, with both palms, in an extra show of reassurance

READ MORE: King Charles marks return to public duties wearing his famed pink T-Rex tie - believed to be a gift from Prince Louis 

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He had been informed that he himself had kidney cancer in 2015, days before an event where he was due to receive the late Queen.

'I was thinking I'd be gone by Christmas and due in hospital the next day,' he recalls.

'Then as the Queen was leaving, she shook my hand and said: 'I do hope that everything is OK for you in hospital.'

'I suddenly had this huge sense of hope. It turned out that I was very lucky. They removed the kidney and I recovered.

'But the psychology around cancer is very important. Days like this do matter.' For just under an hour, the couple toured both research facilities and treatment wards. And there was a poignant moment at the end.

After the ritual presentation of bouquets from two children, both undergoing treatment, the royal couple had something in return.

The King and Queen, who prefer plain glass, had obviously made it clear that they were happy tootling along at London's regulation snail's pace and were delighted by the number of people stopping to wave

There was no doubt that this had been as much of a tonic for the guests as for the hosts. The King is eager for more 'outward-facing' engagements

So where next? The Palace garden party season starts next week

There was a toy Jack Russell for Della, six, and three classic children's books for Ellis, 11, plus giant chocolate coins. Long chats ensured. There was no doubt that this had been as much of a tonic for the guests as for the hosts.

The King is eager for more 'outward-facing' engagements.

So where next?

The Palace garden party season starts next week.

Another annual tradition kicks off today. And it's only a short stroll from the castle down to the Royal Windsor Horse Show…

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