King Charles forced to cancel upcoming events after suffering side effects of cancer treatment

King Charles 'required a short period of observation in hospital' after experiencing side effects from his cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace has said.

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.

“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."

King Charles with Queen Camilla in January last year (PA)

Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and returned to public-facing duties in April while still undergoing weekly treatment.

The 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.

A later statement revealed that Charles was making good progress, and that his medical team remained 'positive' about his recovery, which was said to continue into 2025.

Charles has had a busy run of engagements this week, including a reception for media and a visit to a soil exhibition.

The royal was due to meet ambassadors in audiences at Buckingham Palace this afternoon, but these were postponed, while he has also cancelled an away day to Birmingham tomorrow (28 March) to prioritise his recovery.

Charles is now back at Clarence House, and is due to make a historic state visit to Italy in just 10 days’ time.

According to the Press Association, a source described it as a 'most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction'.

Charles was forced to cancel engagements this afternoon (PA)

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer last year, announcing in September that she had completed chemotherapy and was 'cancer free'.

Speaking last December, Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of cancer support charity Maggie's, reflected on the two royals sharing their diagnoses with the public.

She said: "What we've heard from our centre visitors, it's been good that [Charles and Kate] haven't just shone a light on one specific cancer type, but they've shone a light on cancer as a whole, and that there's varying treatment and varying impacts and varying different ways of navigating the challenges that cancer bring.

"And I think that approach has been much more effective and positive for the cancer community. I know firsthand that everyone is so grateful to them for doing that."