King Charles III was hospitalised briefly on 27 March 2024 after experiencing temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, as confirmed in a statement from Buckingham Palace. Following medical advice, the monarch had to cancel his scheduled engagements for the day and the next.
Health Update from Buckingham Palace
According to the palace, the 76-year-old king underwent scheduled treatment that resulted in side effects requiring observation. He has since returned to his home at Clarence House. “His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” the statement added.
Ongoing Treatment and Duties
Though details about Charles’s specific cancer type remain undisclosed, he has been candid about his diagnosis since announcing it publicly in February 2024. His treatment is expected to continue throughout 2025.
- Charles had engagements planned for Birmingham on 28 March, which have now been postponed.
- His coronation in May 2023 marked a significant moment in British history, being the first in seven decades.
- The king’s daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has also announced she is in remission after her own cancer diagnosis last year.
Future Engagements
Notably, Charles and Queen Camilla’s trip to Italy in early April is still on track, despite having to reschedule a meeting with Pope Francis due to the pontiff’s health issues. The pope, 88, was recently discharged from the hospital after battling pneumonia.
This latest bout of health concerns adds to the numerous challenges Charles has navigated since ascending the throne following his mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s, passing on 8 September 2022.