King Charles Hospitalized After Experiencing Side Effects From Cancer Treatment

King Charles was hospitalized on Thursday, March 27, after experiencing side effects from his cancer treatment.

According to Buckingham Palace, he “required a short period of observation” before being discharged and returning to Clarence House.

As a precautionary measure, he has canceled a scheduled visit to Birmingham on Friday, March 28, to focus on his recovery.

Despite the setback, the 76-year-old monarch is reportedly in good spirits at his London residence, where he continues working on state papers and making calls from his study.

A source described it as a “most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction”.

The King visited the London Clinic on Thursday morning and traveled to and from the hospital by car.

During his brief stay, he was not accompanied by the Queen.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “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.

“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.”

King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 but resumed public duties in April despite continuing weekly treatment.

This month has been particularly busy for the monarch, including a reception for media on Wednesday evening following a visit to a soil exhibition earlier in the day. In 10 days, he is scheduled to embark on a historic state visit to Italy, where he will become the first British sovereign to address both houses of the Italian parliament.

The overseas tour with Queen Camilla, set for April 7-10, is expected to proceed as planned.

Last week, the King made a whirlwind three-day visit to Northern Ireland with Camilla. Earlier in March, he hosted key political figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and newly appointed Canadian PM Mark Carney.

Known for his strong work ethic, Charles has reportedly found great personal benefit in fulfilling public and state duties, which have supported his overall well-being. His long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa last autumn was even described as the “perfect tonic” for him.

Since his diagnosis, his schedule has been carefully planned in consultation with his medical team to balance his commitments with his recovery.

Sources emphasized that his recent hospital visit was not a major development, and no further updates on his health are expected. Any minor adjustments to his engagements will be announced in due course.

The King was scheduled to meet ambassadors at Buckingham Palace on Thursday afternoon, but these meetings were postponed due to his hospital visit. His packed schedule for Friday in Birmingham, which included four back-to-back engagements, was also canceled as a precaution.

Charles was treated at the London Clinic for an enlarged prostate in January last year—the same hospital where the Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery.

While the specifics of his side effects have not been disclosed, they are understood to be temporary and common with many medical treatments.

The Palace’s announcement was made late on Thursday to allow time for the King to consult his staff and medical team after returning to Clarence House. After careful consideration, it was decided that canceling the Birmingham visit would be the wisest course of action.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “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 rescheduled in due course and offers his deepest apologies to all those who had worked so hard to make the planned visit possible.”