King Charles III Hospitalized After Cancer Treatment Side Effects

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III was hospitalized for observation on Thursday after experiencing “temporary side effects” related to a scheduled cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced.

The 76-year-old monarch’s engagements for Thursday afternoon were canceled, and additional plans for Friday were also postponed as a precautionary measure, the palace stated. “His Majesty has now returned to Clarence House and, acting on medical advice, will reschedule tomorrow’s diary program,” the statement read.

According to the palace, the King expressed his apologies for any inconvenience caused to those affected by the changes. He had planned to meet with incoming ambassadors and attend four public events in Birmingham but will now miss those appointments.

A palace spokesperson said, “His Majesty is greatly disappointed to be missing them and offers his deepest apologies to all those who had worked so hard to make the planned visit possible.” He was last diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and has been undergoing treatment since then.

Despite the recent health development, royal sources indicated that the King’s recovery is progressing positively. He is reportedly in good spirits and continuing to work from his study, as well as making calls to maintain his royal duties.

Additionally, a scheduled state visit to Italy with Queen Camilla remains on track for next month.

Statistics show prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, affecting one in three men over age 50 and nearly all men over 80. However, the disease often develops slowly, which may delay symptoms, particularly in older individuals.

While the palace did not provide details on the type or stage of cancer affecting the King, royal officials emphasized that he is in a “managed condition” and ongoing treatment is set to continue into 2025.