King Charles required hospital observation on Thursday after experiencing “temporary side-effects” as part of his continuing medical treatment for cancer, Buckingham Palace has said. The 76-year-old monarch underwent scheduled treatment on Thursday morning, which required “a short period of observation in hospital”, according to a palace statement.
“His majesty’s afternoon engagements were therefore postponed,” a spokesperson said. “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 sent his apologies to all who may be inconvenienced or disappointed.
A source described the incident as a “most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction”. Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and returned to public-facing duties in April while still undergoing weekly treatment.
He has had a busy week of engagements and is due to make a historic state visit to Italy in 10 days, which is expected to proceed as planned. The king had been due to meet ambassadors on Thursday and travel to Birmingham on Friday, but these were postponed.
After returning to Clarence House, the king was said to be on good form, working on state papers and making calls from his study. The palace confirmed the side-effects were temporary and not uncommon with many medical treatments.
