inside his cancer treatment journey

King Charles III, aged 76, was admitted to the hospital on Thursday morning, March 27, 2025, after experiencing temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, a battle that began with a diagnosis in February 2024. Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming that the monarch underwent a brief period of observation at the London Clinic, the same facility where he had a procedure for a benign prostate condition the previous year. He was discharged later that day and returned to Clarence House, his official London residence. However, following medical advice, his scheduled engagements for Thursday and Friday, March 28, were postponed as a precautionary measure. The palace emphasized that this was a minor setback in an otherwise positive recovery, with Charles remaining in good spirits and continuing to handle state affairs from home. The incident underscores the delicate balance the king has maintained between his royal duties and health challenges over the past year.

Originally, Charles was set to receive ambassadors’ credentials on Thursday afternoon and travel to Birmingham on Friday for a packed itinerary, including four public events such as opening a hospital and visiting a church and a Sikh temple. The cancellations disappointed organizers and the king himself, who issued a public apology through the palace for any inconvenience caused. His recent schedule had been notably busy, with receptions, exhibitions, and a trip to Northern Ireland, reflecting his commitment to his role despite the physical toll of treatment. This latest health episode has sparked renewed interest in how the monarch manages his condition while upholding the responsibilities of the Crown.

The hospitalization was not deemed an emergency. Charles arrived at the London Clinic by car, unaccompanied by Queen Camilla, who continued her own engagements in Wembley that day. Buckingham Palace described the situation as a temporary hiccup, with sources affirming that the king’s recovery remains on a strong trajectory. Still, the decision to pause his public duties highlights the unpredictable nature of cancer treatment and the need for flexibility in his demanding role.

The diagnosis that reshaped royal life

King Charles’ cancer was discovered in February 2024, following tests conducted during a procedure for a benign enlarged prostate. While the palace has not specified the type of cancer, it clarified that it is not prostate cancer. Since the diagnosis, the king has adhered to a regular treatment schedule, which has included periods of rest and a gradual return to public life, starting in April 2024 with a visit to a cancer treatment center in London.

That first post-diagnosis appearance saw Charles engaging with patients, emphasizing early detection—a message he has championed since going public with his illness. Over the months, he has juggled official duties with medical care, conducting private meetings and reviewing state papers even during recovery phases. His openness about the experience has been praised for raising awareness about cancer, a cause he has supported for decades.

A busy week before the hospital stay

Leading up to the hospitalization, Charles had maintained a rigorous pace. On Monday, he hosted a reception for regional media at Buckingham Palace. Tuesday brought a visit to an exhibition on soil at Somerset House, and the previous week included a three-day trip to Northern Ireland, where he met cancer patients. This flurry of activity showcased his determination to remain active, though it may have contributed to the fatigue that prompted Thursday’s medical check.

• Recent engagements of King Charles:
  • Media reception at Buckingham Palace (March 24).
  • Soil exhibition visit at Somerset House (March 25).
  • Three-day trip to Northern Ireland (previous week).

Understanding the side effects

The side effects that led to Charles’ hospital visit were labeled temporary and typical of cancer treatments, though specifics remain undisclosed. Experts note that therapies like chemotherapy or radiotherapy often bring fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, and sensory changes—such as the loss of taste Charles mentioned in May 2024 during a visit to a military base. Speaking with a veteran, he shared how treatment had dulled his palate, offering a rare glimpse into its personal toll.

Thursday’s brief hospital stay required no emergency measures, and his swift return to Clarence House suggests the issue was managed effectively. Yet, the medical team’s call to cancel Friday’s agenda reflects a cautious approach to ensure the king avoids overexertion. Reports indicate he spent Thursday afternoon working on state documents and making calls, a sign of his resilience amid health challenges.

How treatment shapes the royal schedule

Since his diagnosis, Charles’ agenda has been meticulously coordinated with his medical team. After an initial break from public duties, he resumed engagements in April 2024, with adjustments like shorter events and limited travel early on. In October 2024, he embarked on a two-week tour of Australia and Samoa—his first major overseas trip since falling ill—pausing treatment temporarily with doctors’ approval.

The recent incident, however, reveals the treatment’s unpredictability. The canceled Birmingham trip, which included a hospital opening and community visits, was a blow to Charles, who values such interactions. Known for his dedication to social and environmental causes, he had hoped to spotlight local efforts, but now focuses on rescheduling to fulfill those commitments.

Queen Camilla’s steady presence

As Charles dealt with his hospital visit, Queen Camilla carried on with her duties, attending an event in Wembley on Thursday. She has been a constant support since the diagnosis, often stepping in to represent the monarchy during his recovery periods. In September 2024, while visiting the Dyson Cancer Centre, she described Charles as “doing very well,” a sentiment she maintained even as he faced this latest setback.

Her absence from the hospital suggests the episode was not seen as critical, allowing her to uphold her public role. Throughout 2024, Camilla has taken on extra engagements, ensuring continuity for the royal family during Charles’ more challenging moments.

Birmingham’s postponed royal visit

The Birmingham trip Charles had to cancel was highly anticipated. He was slated to open a new hospital, visit a local church and Sikh temple, and meet community leaders—events that required weeks of preparation. The postponement left organizers scrambling, though the king’s apology softened the disappointment, with plans underway to set new dates.

Medical advice prompted the cancellation, prioritizing rest after the side effects. Despite this, Charles remains eager to return to his duties, with sources affirming his overall condition remains strong, buoyed by a recovery that continues to progress.

• Canceled Birmingham events:
  • Opening of a new hospital.
  • Visit to a local church.
  • Stop at a Sikh temple.
  • Meeting with community leaders.

Timeline of Charles’ health journey

Charles’ health saga spans over a year, marked by key milestones:

• January 2024: Procedure for benign prostate enlargement at London Clinic.
• February 2024: Cancer diagnosed after further tests.
• April 2024: Returns to public duties at a cancer center.
• October 2024: Tours Australia and Samoa, pausing treatment.
• March 27, 2025: Brief hospitalization for side effects, discharged same day.

What lies ahead for the king

The upcoming State Visit to Italy in April 2025 remains on track. Charles will be the first British monarch to address the Italian Parliament, a historic moment he is determined to honor alongside Queen Camilla. The trip was recently adjusted due to Pope Francis’ recovery from pneumonia, scrapping a Vatican meeting, but the core plans persist.

Looking to 2025, Charles’ treatment is expected to continue, with a December 2024 update describing his cancer as “well-managed” and showing steady improvement. The recent hospitalization is viewed as a minor adjustment rather than a setback, with the king focused on maintaining his duties as health permits.

Public support and Charles’ response

The postponements sparked an outpouring of support. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered well-wishes, echoed by citizens online. Charles, who has thanked the public for their encouragement since his diagnosis, draws inspiration from Winston Churchill’s “keep buggering on,” a phrase he referenced during his Northern Ireland trip, reflecting his resolve.

Buckingham Palace’s prompt announcement on Thursday night aimed to curb speculation, keeping the public informed without amplifying the situation. Charles continues working from Clarence House, underscoring his commitment to the throne even amid health hurdles.