King Charles III made an appearance in central London on Friday, warmly greeting well-wishers on his way to his countryside residence in western England. This public engagement came just a day after the monarch was briefly hospitalized due to side effects from a planned treatment for cancer.
The king had to cancel his scheduled commitments on Thursday afternoon and the following day, as advised by his medical team, according to Buckingham Palace. Although the palace was tight-lipped about the nature of the “temporary side effects” Charles experienced, the incident brought to light the reality of the king’s ongoing battle with an unspecified type of cancer since his diagnosis over a year ago. Despite this, since last spring, Charles has resumed his public duties after a near three-month hiatus for his initial treatment and recovery.
In the months following his return, the king has actively participated in various engagements, from commemorating D-Day in France to formally opening Parliament and even undertaking a significant nine-day tour of Australia and Samoa. Throughout his treatment, he continued to fulfill his role as head of state, engaging in essential activities such as reviewing government affairs and maintaining communications with the prime minister.
The recent hospital visit occurred on Thursday morning when Charles received his scheduled cancer treatment at the London Clinic, a private healthcare facility known for attending to prominent figures like the king since his diagnosis in the early part of 2024. Following the treatment, the king experienced side effects that necessitated short observation in the hospital.
Post-treatment, Charles returned to Clarence House, where he resumed his duties of reviewing official papers and placing important calls. Queen Camilla was absent from the hospital visit, and the palace extended the king’s apologies for any disruptions caused by the change in his schedule.
It’s expected that the king will persist with his royal responsibilities in the coming weeks, which include an upcoming state visit to Italy in early April. The decision to publicly acknowledge the king’s health status marks a shift in the palace’s handling of similar issues, aiming to provide transparency and prevent speculative media narratives regarding the head of state’s cancelations of planned public appearances.
This transparent approach contrasts with past royal protocols. In 2024, the palace had announced Charles’ undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate before revealing the subsequent cancer diagnosis. This openness stands in stark contrast to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, during which officials were notably tight-lipped about her health, often citing “mobility issues” without further elaboration.
Historians reference the secrecy that surrounded King George VI’s lung cancer, known to very few before his passing. Charles’ decision to offer an honest account of his health challenges has not only placed him in the public eye but also earned widespread praise from health professionals, who commend his transparency for encouraging prostate examinations among men.
Royal commentators suggest Charles’ openness has brought the monarchy closer to the public, highlighting his relatable struggles and reinforcing his commitment to meticulous duties, aligning with his long-standing public service ethos. Having waited decades to ascend the throne, Charles appears determined to cement the monarchy’s relevance as a unifying and traditional institution within Britain’s diverse society.
In 2022, he participated in 372 official engagements, remaining highly active despite the demands of his cancer treatment. His dedication placed him behind only his sister, Princess Anne, who led with 474 engagements. Charles, often seen as a workaholic by those close to him, continues his rigorous schedule, with family members noting his resistance to slowing down. His intense commitment to duty is perhaps best underscored by anecdotes such as Prince Harry’s, who once remarked that his father often worked until he fell asleep at his desk.
Royal insiders and biographers frequently comment on the king’s hectic schedule and its tendency to overshadow his vulnerability as a septuagenarian battling cancer. Author Robert Hardman reminds the public that beneath the busy exterior, the king remains a head of state contending with substantial health challenges, a reality easily overlooked amidst his relentless service to the crown.