King Charles marked the one-year anniversary of his cancer diagnosis announcement by carrying out a royal engagement at the Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK) in London today.
The monarch’s visit comes exactly one year after Buckingham Palace revealed his cancer diagnosis on February 5, 2024.
During his visit to Europe’s largest Polish centre, His Majesty was welcomed by Polish Ambassador Piotr Wilczek and POSK Chairman Marcin Kalinowski.
The engagement demonstrates the King’s continued commitment to public duties, as he meets with members of Britain’s Polish community at the renowned cultural institution.
King Charles marked the one-year anniversary of his cancer diagnosis announcement by carrying out a royal engagement at the Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK) in London today.
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The visit follows Their Majesties’ previous engagement at POSK in 2010, when they visited as The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, ahead of their tour of Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.
The King viewed a newly opened art exhibition at The POSK Gallery, featuring works by Polish artist Felix Fabian.
His Majesty then attended a community reception where he met with Polish World War Two veterans, business leaders, social workers, teachers and folk-dance performers.
The event showcased traditional Polish crafts and cuisine prepared by the centre’s Lowiczanka restaurant.
The monarch’s visit comes exactly one year after Buckingham Palace revealed his cancer diagnosis on February 5, 2024.
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During the reception, His Majesty heard from staff, volunteers and community members about the centre’s significance and its vital work in strengthening the Polish community in the UK.
The gathering featured musical performances and provided an opportunity for the King to engage with representatives from various Polish organisations.
POSK was established as a charity in 1964 by the Polish exile community in Britain, following an initiative by Professor Roman Wajda, Chair of the Polish Union of Engineers.
The institution expanded in 1967 when it took custody of the largest free Polish library outside Poland from the UK government.
The King viewed a newly opened art exhibition at The POSK Gallery, featuring works by Polish artist Felix Fabian.
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A significant development came in 1972 when POSK acquired its current location on King Street, Hammersmith, constructing a modern building to house its growing collection of cultural facilities.
Today, the centre features a theatre, restaurant, gallery, and meeting spaces for numerous Polish social and cultural organisations.
POSK regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, opera performances, film screenings, and theatrical shows for both adults and children.
The centre is also home to several prestigious institutions, including the Joseph Conrad Society, the Pilsudski Historical Institute, and a popular Jazz Café that features live weekend concerts.
