His condition was detected during a routine medical procedure, and he has since adjusted his schedule to accommodate treatment while maintaining his responsibilities as head of state
By Titilope Adako
King Charles III has cancelled his planned engagements for Thursday and Friday due to temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced.
The 76-year-old monarch underwent a scheduled treatment session on Thursday morning.
However, the palace stated that he experienced side effects requiring a brief hospital observation before returning to Clarence House.
His scheduled engagements, including receiving foreign ambassadors’ credentials at Buckingham Palace and a planned visit to Birmingham, were postponed as a precautionary measure.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty is doing well but has rescheduled forthcoming engagements to allow for private rest following treatment. The King looks forward to resuming his public duties soon.”
Sources close to the palace indicate that the side effects are not severe, and the king remains in good spirits.
He continues to handle state duties from his study and is expected to resume public engagements soon.
His planned visit to Italy in April is still on schedule, according to royal aides.
A royal insider told The Times: “The King has been very keen to continue with his work as much as possible. However, it was always understood that there would be good days and less good days as his treatment progresses. It’s just a case of listening to the medical advice and taking it easy when necessary.”
King Charles publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, aiming to raise awareness and prevent speculation.
The palace has not revealed the specific type of cancer but confirmed that treatment will continue into 2025.
His condition was detected during a routine medical procedure, and he has since adjusted his schedule to accommodate treatment while maintaining his responsibilities as head of state.
The king has largely continued his royal duties, balancing his health challenges with official engagements.
Despite stepping back from some in-person events, he has remained active, holding meetings with government officials and foreign dignitaries.
In recent weeks, he was seen attending church services with Queen Camilla and meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace.
His diagnosis comes amid ongoing tensions within the royal family, particularly with his younger son, Prince Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle. While Harry briefly visited his father after the diagnosis was made public, the extent of their current relationship remains unclear.
A senior royal source told the Daily Mail: “The King and Prince Harry had a brief but warm meeting. His Majesty has always said he loves both his sons dearly. There are no plans for Harry to return in the immediate future, but the lines of communication remain open.”
King Charles ascended the throne following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Since then, he has actively championed causes such as climate change and modernising the monarchy.
Despite his health challenges, he remains determined to fulfil his role as king while undergoing treatment.
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