King Charles III was spotted earlier this morning (28 March) in public for the first time since it was revealed he had been in hospital over side effects from his cancer treatment.
The 76-year-old monarch, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024, smiled and waved at well-wishers as he left Clarence House in London in a black Audi.
It is understood he is going to his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.
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Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday night (27 March) that Charles 'required a short period of observation in hospital' earlier that day after planned engagements in Birmingham on Friday were cancelled to prioritise his recovery as a precautionary measure.
The 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.
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"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."
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 travelled to and from the hospital by car. He was not joined by the Queen during his brief stay.
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Following his diagnosis last February, Charles returned to public-facing duties in April while still undergoing weekly treatment.
Buckingham Palace confirmed at the time that he had been undergoing a hospital procedure for a 'prostate enlargement' when a 'separate issue of concern' was found.
"Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," it said.
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A later statement revealed that the King was making good progress, and that his medical team remained 'positive' about his recovery, which was said to continue into 2025.
Now, while it's not been revealed which type of cancer treatment he is receiving, there are several common side effects of it.
These include; pain, fatigue, anaemia, hair, skin and nail problems alongside mouth problems as well as Nausea and vomiting.
Other side effects of cancer treatment include:
- Bleeding and bruising
- Bone density loss
- Edema (swelling)
- Heart damage
- Lymphedema (lymphatic system blockage)
- Fertility issues
- Memory or concentration problems, or delirium
- Nerve problems
- Sexual health issues
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Urinary issues
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Topics: UK News, King Charles III, Royal Family, Health, Cancer
Rhiannon Ingle