The 76-year-old King Charles was briefly hospitalized on Thursday after experiencing side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace confirmed. Although discharged later that day following a short period of observation at the London Clinic, the King has postponed official engagements scheduled in Birmingham. He has been hospitalized at least twice since the beginning of 2024.
A statement from Buckingham Palace emphasized that His Majesty’s recovery remains on a positive path, and the recent health episode is not considered serious. “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,” the Palace stated.
The King returned to Clarence House on Thursday evening and, acting on medical advice, has rescheduled Friday’s public appearances as a precaution. Palace officials clarified that the King deeply regrets missing his engagements and has extended apologies to those impacted.
The temporary side effects were described as common and non-life-threatening. The visit to the hospital, while unplanned, was brief, and the monarch is reportedly in good spirits, continuing state duties from home. According to sources, His Majesty was reviewing state papers and making calls from his study Thursday evening.
Despite the disruption, next week’s schedule remains largely unchanged. A state visit to Italy, including stops in Rome and Ravenna, is still expected to proceed. The Queen, who had attended separate events in Wembley earlier in the day, did not accompany the King to the hospital.
In a statement Thursday night, a Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty was due to receive credentials from the ambassadors of three nations this afternoon. Tomorrow, he was to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham. He is greatly disappointed to miss them and hopes they can be rescheduled soon.”
King Charles’s cancer diagnosis was publicly disclosed in February 2024 after treatment for an enlarged prostate. Since then, he has undergone regular treatment while maintaining a full calendar of public events. He has completed high-profile visits, including state trips to Australia and Samoa, and hosted receptions for charitable and cultural institutions.
The King and Queen were also scheduled to visit the Vatican, but that trip has been postponed following medical advice that Pope Francis requires rest after a recent illness.
The King, often described as a workaholic, has found strength in staying active. Palace aides note that maintaining a steady routine contributes positively to his recovery. The Queen has previously joked about his intense schedule, once commenting he would be recovering faster “if he behaved himself.”
Both King Charles and the Princess of Wales were discharged from The London Clinic on January 29, 2024, after undergoing treatment—his for prostate issues and hers for abdominal surgery. Both later revealed they had been diagnosed with cancer. While the King has remained active, the Princess took a quieter path, undergoing preventative chemotherapy and later announcing her remission.
Public support for the royal family has been strong. On a recent visit to Northern Ireland, the King encouraged fellow cancer patients with a dose of Churchillian humor: “What’s that Winston Churchill saying? Keep buggering on.”
The Palace has indicated no further updates on the King’s health are expected unless changes to his schedule arise. Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement expressing his best wishes to the King following the hospital stay.
Buckingham Palace maintains that the King’s treatment remains effective and the outlook remains positive, with aides referring to his health status as a “very encouraging status quo.”
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