The Queen ventured out alone to greet the all-female crew that won the Ocean Globe Race, following positive health updates about her husband.

Queen Camilla has many reasons to smile.

As Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary on April 29, the Queen hosted the Maiden yacht crew at Clarence House to honour their significant victory in the Ocean Globe Race.

The Maiden team made history by becoming the first all-female crew to win an around-the-world yacht race on April 16, when they completed their journey in Cowes, England, 153 days after setting off in September 2023. Additionally, this groundbreaking crew is regarded as the most diverse professional sailing crew to have circumnavigated the globe.

"The crew, comprising individuals from the U.K., Antigua, U.S.A., South Africa, Puerto Rico, Italy, France, and Afghanistan, includes the first black female crew member and the first Middle Eastern female crew member to race around the world — reflecting and celebrating the rich diversity of cultures encountered during their 28,000-mile voyage," a statement noted.

Queen Camilla, aged 76, appeared in high spirits at the reception held at her London residence, where she resides with King Charles.

This event marked the Queen's first independent engagement since Buckingham Palace announced on April 26 that the King, aged 75, would resume public royal duties following his cancer diagnosis in February.

According to the palace, the King's initial public engagement will involve visiting a cancer treatment centre to meet with medical specialists and patients alongside Queen Camilla on April 30. This centre is not directly involved in the monarch's medical care.

This visit will be the first of several engagements planned for King Charles in the coming weeks, including hosting a state visit at Buckingham Palace for the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June.

A palace spokesperson confirmed that the King's cancer treatment is ongoing and shared positive remarks from his medical team.

"His Majesty's treatment programme will continue, but doctors are pleased with the progress made so far, enabling The King to resume a number of public duties. Future engagements will be adjusted as necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty's continued recovery," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated on April 30.

"His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public duties and is very grateful to his medical team for their ongoing care and expertise," they added.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have been seen attending church services together since his cancer diagnosis was announced on February 5, including the traditional Easter Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on March 31. During this service, the royal couple surprised onlookers with a brief walkabout, during which the King responded to a well-wisher's words of encouragement with, "I'm doing my best!"

The Queen has maintained a steady presence and continued her full royal schedule while her husband of 19 years has scaled back public duties to focus on cancer treatment. A palace source previously told PEOPLE how she provides invaluable support to the King during this challenging period.

"She is his strength and support, just as [Prince Philip] was for the late Queen [Elizabeth]," the palace source remarked. "She will be wonderful. She will uplift him, she will buoy him. She is incredible. She equips him for the responsibilities he must fulfil."

During the Maiden reception, Queen Camilla reconnected with Tracy Edwards MBE. Over 30 years ago, Edwards captained the 58-foot Maiden yacht in the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Race, winning two of six legs and leading the first all-female crew in an around-the-world yacht race.

The yacht was repurposed in 2018 for a global tour to raise awareness and funds for girls' education, during which King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the vessel in London. Edwards gave them a tour of the ship, and Camilla even took the helm!

Before the modern Maiden team embarked on their journey of over 27,000 nautical miles in September 2023, the Queen sent them her best wishes with a personal message.

"You are all in my thoughts today as you begin the Ocean Globe Race for Maiden's final voyage. I hope each of you takes pride in being part of such a special crew, spreading Messages of Hope to girls around the world. I wish you fair winds and following seas!" Queen Camilla stated, signing off with her regnal signature, "Camilla R."