King Charles III was briefly hospitalized on Thursday morning due to side effects from his cancer treatment, according to Buckingham Palace. The 76-year-old king has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since February of last year. The palace did not specify the nature of the side effects, but described them as temporary and requiring a short period of observation in the hospital. Charles has since returned to his London residence, Clarence House, and his public schedule for Friday has been canceled as a precautionary measure.
Despite his health issues, King Charles III has been active in recent months, hosting foreign leaders and visiting an aircraft carrier. However, the palace has not provided updates on his prognosis or the specifics of his treatment. His cancer was discovered during surgery for an enlarged prostate in February, but the palace has confirmed that he does not have prostate cancer without offering further details about his illness. In contrast, his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced in January that she was cancer free after several months of chemotherapy.
The palace has downplayed concerns about the king’s condition, stating that his recovery is progressing positively and that the side effects he experienced are not uncommon for patients undergoing treatment. Palace officials do not anticipate major changes to Charles’ schedule, which includes upcoming foreign and domestic travel plans. Despite his recent hospitalization, the king still plans to go ahead with a state visit to Italy next month. However, it was announced that he and Queen Camilla would not visit Pope Francis at the Vatican due to the Pope’s ongoing recovery from pneumonia and a severe respiratory illness.
The palace stated that the king was due to receive credentials from ambassadors and undertake public engagements in Birmingham, which he is disappointed to miss on this occasion. It is hoped that these events can be rescheduled in the future, and Charles expressed his deepest apologies to those who had worked hard to make the planned visit possible. The statement did not provide details on the specific events that the king would have attended in Birmingham, but it is clear that he values engagements with the public and is eager to fulfill his duties as monarch.
As a developing story, updates on King Charles III’s health and schedule may be forthcoming. It is important to monitor news sources for the latest information on his condition and any changes to his public appearances. Despite his recent health setback, the king appears to be determined to continue with his duties and commitments, demonstrating his dedication to his role as monarch. The support and well wishes of the public will undoubtedly be appreciated during this challenging time for King Charles III and his family.