King Charles III was recently briefly hospitalised due to “temporary side effects” of his ongoing cancer treatment.
Buckingham Palace confirmed His Majesty “required a short period of observation in hospital” on 27 March, and his upcoming engagements were therefore postponed “as a precautionary measure.”
The full statement read: “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 news comes after it was revealed the King would be continuing his cancer treatment in 2025, with palace sources confirmed it was moving “in a very positive direction.”
A statement from Buckingham Palace on 6 February 2024 confirmed King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the statement read.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
The cancer was discovered during his trip to the hospital to treat an enlarged prostate. The surgery for this procedure was announced on January 18, with the King entering roughly a week later.
The announcement was shared in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Australia. While Buckingham Palace shared His Majesty “remains wholly positive,” they did not detail the type of cancer he was diagnosed with.
A palace source told The Times, “that the King’s decision not to reveal the type of cancer was a conscious choice to be able to reach out to the widest number of people who are experiencing the disease, rather than narrow the focus onto a particular form of cancer.”
Buckingham Palace’s statement continued: “The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
In his decision to share his recent diagnosis, King Charles hopes to “prevent speculation” and “assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
Following the news of his cancer diagnosis, the King released a personal statement thanking the public for their well wishes. The royal family released “a thank you message from His Majesty The King”.
“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” the statement began.
“As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.
“It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”
As for His Majesty’s family, The Sun reported that Prince William and Prince Harry were told personally, with the youngest set to be returning home from California to visit his father.
“The Duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be travelling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days,” a source told the publication.
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