The King spent “a short period of observation in hospital” today (March 27) after experiencing side effects from his cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace has said.
Charles will no longer attend a trip to Birmingham on Friday to allow him to prioritise his recovery.
A source described the hospital trip as a “most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction”.
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”.
The King visited the London Clinic, where he was treated for an enlarged prostate in January 2024, on Thursday morning, and travelled to and from the hospital by car. He was not joined by the Queen during his brief stay.
It is understood the side effects, of which specifics have not been disclosed, were temporary and not uncommon with many medical treatments.
The King is said to be in good form and is now at home in Clarence House where he is working on state papers and making calls from his study.
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.
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“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.”
When was King Charles diagnosed with cancer?
Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and returned to public-facing duties in April despite still undergoing weekly treatment.
He has had a busy run of engagements this week including a reception for media, a visit to a soil exhibition and he is due to make a historic state visit to Italy in just 10 days’ time.
The King was due to meet ambassadors in audiences at Buckingham Palace on Thursday afternoon but these were postponed.
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