Buckingham Palace has issued a health update regarding King Charles after he was forced to cancel his public engagements after experiencing side effects during cancer treatment

Buckingham Palace has given an update on King Charles’ health after he was temporarily admitted to hospital amid his cancer treatment.

The monarch was forced to cancel his public engagements for this afternoon as well as Friday after he experienced side effects during his cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace said the King had been admitted for observation this morning due to the temporary side effects, but has since been discharged, with a royal aide calling the visit a “most minor bump in a road” before adding that Charles’ treatment was still “very much headed in the right direction”.

The update comes just over a year after it was revealed that Charles, 76, had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. The monarch returned to public-facing duties in April while undergoing weekly treatment.

What did the statement say?

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “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.”

When was the King diagnosed with cancer?

In February 2024, it was revealed that Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer. Buckingham Palace did not reveal what kind of cancer it was or what kind of treatment he has been receiving.

The statement from Buckingham Palace at the time read: “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.

“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 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. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

What has King Charles said about his cancer?

Following the announcement that he’d been diagnosed with a form of cancer, the King released a statement in which he thanked the public for their support. “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days. As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” he said.

“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. Charles R.”

Last April, Charles returned to public engagements with a hospital visit and spoke to patients about the “shock” that came with a cancer diagnosis. When asked how he was feeling, the King said: “I’m all right, thanks. Not too bad.”

When he returned to public-facing work duties, Palace sources stressed that Charles’ work commitments would depend on ongoing guidance from his medical team. It is understood that any engagements are managed on a case by case basis and “remain subject to medical advice”.

Meanwhile, last week the King hinted at his treatment during a visit to Ulster University in Northern Ireland. While meeting cancer patients, he said: “What’s that Winston Churchill saying? Keep buggering on.”

Is the King’s trip to Italy going ahead?

Buckingham Palace said it envisaged the King and Queen’s planned state visit to Italy commencing next month would still go ahead as planned. The trip has previously been reorganised as the pair were due to meet the Pope at The Vatican as part of the tour, though this has been postponed by mutual agreement so the Pope can continue his recovery from double pneumonia.