King Charles hospitalised after experiencing side effects from cancer treatment, cancels engagements

“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,” a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told the Sun on Thursday.

The spokesperson added, “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.”

According to the Sun, the monarch was taken by car to The London Clinic, not by emergency vehicle. The outlet noted that his treatment is progressing in the right direction.

The palace spokesman told the Sun: “His Majesty was due to receive Credentials from the Ambassadors of three different nations this afternoon. Tomorrow, he 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.”

King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, following a medical procedure for benign prostate enlargement.

“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,” the palace said in a statement at the time.

In December, Sky News reported that cancer treatment would continue into the New Year. Palace sources told the outlet, “His treatment has been moving in a positive direction and as a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into next year.”