King Charles III was briefly admitted to the hospital on Thursday, March 27, 2025, due to temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. The 76-year-old monarch experienced these side effects during a scheduled session of medical treatment, which necessitated a short period of observation at The London Clinic in Marylebone, London. Following this observation, he has since returned to Clarence House, where he continues to work on state papers and make calls from his study.
The King had been scheduled to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham on Friday, March 28, 2025, including a tour of the city's Royal Ballet. However, acting on medical advice, these engagements have been postponed. A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace expressed that the King is "greatly disappointed" to be missing these events and has extended his apologies to those who had worked hard to prepare for the visit.
First announced in February 2024, King Charles's cancer diagnosis followed treatment for benign prostate enlargement, during which a separate issue of concern was identified. Since then, he has been undergoing weekly treatment. The palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer, but sources indicate that the side effects he experienced are not uncommon with cancer treatments.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace described the King’s hospital visit as a "minor bump in the road" and reassured the public that his recovery is progressing positively. The palace emphasized that the King’s diary of engagements has been developed in consultation with his medical team, ensuring that his health remains a priority.
Queen Camilla did not accompany the King during his brief hospital stay, as she was engaged in her own commitments in Wembley, north London. While the King was recovering at Clarence House, he was reported to be in good spirits and continuing his royal duties, albeit with some adjustments to his schedule.
Despite this setback, Buckingham Palace is optimistic about the King’s upcoming state visit to Italy, scheduled for April 7 to 10, 2025. This visit is expected to proceed as planned, although it has already been reorganized due to the health of Pope Francis, who is recovering from pneumonia. The royal couple had planned to meet the Pope, but this meeting has been postponed to allow the Pontiff adequate time for recuperation.
The King’s recent engagements have included a reception for local media and a visit to a soil exhibition. He has maintained a busy schedule, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to his royal duties despite his health challenges. His determination to continue fulfilling his responsibilities was evident during a recent visit to Ulster University in Northern Ireland, where he shared encouragement with fellow cancer patients, quoting Winston Churchill: "Keep buggering on." This attitude reflects the King’s desire to remain active and engaged with the public.
Since his diagnosis, the King has expressed gratitude for the public’s support and understanding. The royal family has faced a challenging year, with both King Charles and the Princess of Wales being diagnosed with cancer within days of each other. The Princess of Wales announced her own battle with cancer shortly after the King’s diagnosis, further highlighting the health challenges facing the royal family.
As the King prepares for his state visit to Italy, he is expected to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella. The visit is seen as a significant diplomatic engagement, reinforcing the ties between the UK and Italy.
In light of the recent events, Buckingham Palace has reiterated the importance of transparency regarding the King’s health and has committed to keeping the public informed about any further developments. The palace has stated that they do not anticipate providing additional updates unless there are changes to the King’s schedule.
As the nation watches closely, the King’s ongoing treatment and recovery will remain a focal point for both supporters and critics alike. His ability to balance his royal duties while managing his health has drawn admiration from many, reinforcing his image as a dedicated public servant.
In summary, while King Charles III has faced a temporary setback due to side effects from his cancer treatment, he remains committed to his royal duties and is expected to continue his engagements with renewed vigor. The royal family, supported by the public, looks forward to the King’s return to full health and his upcoming state visit to Italy, which promises to be a landmark occasion.
