King Charles III has been forced to cancel several royal engagements after being admitted to the hospital on March 27, 2025, due to temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. The 76-year-old monarch was treated at the London Clinic, where he has been receiving care since his cancer diagnosis was announced in February 2024.
Following a scheduled medical treatment for cancer that morning, Buckingham Palace released a statement indicating that King Charles experienced side effects requiring a short period of observation in the hospital. The statement read, "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." The King expressed his apologies to those who may have been inconvenienced by the cancellations.
Sources close to the palace described the situation as a "most minor bump in a road that's very much heading in the right direction," emphasizing that such incidents are not uncommon with cancer treatments. Despite this setback, the King was reported to be in good spirits upon returning to Clarence House, where he continued to work on state papers and make calls from his study.
Originally, King Charles had planned to conduct a busy schedule of engagements in Birmingham on March 28, which included receiving credentials from ambassadors of three different nations. However, these plans were postponed to prioritize his recovery. A palace spokesperson stated, "His Majesty was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham and is greatly disappointed to be missing them on this occasion. He very much hopes that they can be rescheduled in due course and offers his deepest apologies to all those who had worked so hard to make the planned visit possible."
The King's treatment regimen has included weekly sessions, and he has managed a full diary of public duties, including a recent visit to Somerset House on March 26, where he engaged with the public and attended an exhibition. His schedule has been carefully planned in consultation with his medical team to ensure his health remains a priority.
In a recent outing to Northern Ireland, King Charles interacted with cancer patients, offering them words of encouragement. He asked them if they were managing to "survive the side effects alright," and added, "You just have to push on, don't you?" Such moments reveal his commitment to maintaining a connection with the public despite his health challenges.
As the King continues his recovery, he is scheduled for a significant state visit to Italy starting on April 7, 2025. This visit is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time a British sovereign will address both houses of the Italian parliament. Although some elements of the trip may be adjusted due to his health, Buckingham Palace has indicated that the visit is still expected to proceed.
Throughout his treatment, Buckingham Palace has maintained a policy of transparency regarding the King's health while also respecting his privacy. They have not disclosed the specific type of cancer he has, only confirming that it is not prostate cancer, which he was treated for earlier this year. A palace source noted that the King's treatment has been progressing positively, and they aim to keep the public informed of any significant developments.
In light of his ongoing health issues, King Charles is determined to continue fulfilling his royal duties as much as possible. He has expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement he has received from the public during this challenging time. The palace has reassured the public that minor adjustments to his schedule will be made as necessary to safeguard his health.
As the nation watches closely, the King's resilience amid his health struggles serves as a reminder of his dedication to his role as monarch. The royal family, particularly Queen Camilla, has been supportive throughout this journey, and both are looking forward to their upcoming engagements in Italy.
In summary, while King Charles's recent hospital admission has led to a temporary halt in his engagements, the palace remains optimistic about his recovery and plans for the future. With a focus on health and well-being, the King is poised to continue his royal responsibilities in the coming weeks.
