King Charles was briefly hospitalized for observation after experiencing temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
In a statement, the palace explained: “Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, the King experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital.
“His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were therefore postponed.
“His Majesty has now returned to Clarence House and as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary programme will also be rescheduled.
“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
The King has since left the hospital and is resting at home while following medical guidance.
King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in February 2024. Despite still undergoing weekly treatment, he resumed his public duties in April.
At the time, the palace revealed that doctors had discovered a “separate issue of concern” during a hospital procedure for prostate enlargement.
“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the statement confirmed.
Later updates indicated that Charles was responding well to treatment, with his medical team remaining optimistic about his recovery, which is expected to continue into 2025.
This week, he maintained a busy schedule, attending a media reception and visiting a soil exhibition. However, some upcoming engagements have been adjusted. His planned meetings with ambassadors at Buckingham Palace this afternoon were postponed, and he also canceled a scheduled visit to Birmingham on March 28 to focus on his recovery.
Currently back at Clarence House, Charles is still preparing for a historic state visit to Italy, set to take place in just 10 days.
A source, speaking to the Press Association, reassured that this was simply a “most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction.”
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer last year. In September, she shared the good news that she had completed chemotherapy and was now “cancer free.”
In December, Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of the cancer support charity Maggie’s, reflected on the impact of both royal family members publicly discussing their diagnoses.
She noted, “What we’ve heard from our centre visitors, it’s been good that [Charles and Kate] haven’t just shone a light on one specific cancer type, but they’ve shone a light on cancer as a whole, and that there’s varying treatment and varying impacts and varying different ways of navigating the challenges that cancer bring.
“And I think that approach has been much more effective and positive for the cancer community. I know firsthand that everyone is so grateful to them for doing that.”
