King Charles III, even as he undergoes treatment for cancer, recently experienced a brief hospital stay for observation due to unspecified side effects. This followed his ongoing medical treatments, highlighting the King’s resilience and commitment to his duties amidst health challenges.
“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,” Buckingham Palace announced on March 27, 2025. While the specifics of his hospital stay and the side effects remain undisclosed, the palace confirmed his return to Clarence House, his London residence. Consequently, his engagements for the following day were postponed, with the palace conveying the King’s sincere apologies for any disruption caused.
King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis: An Unforeseen Discovery
The revelation of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis came on February 5, 2024, through a statement from Buckingham Palace. This announcement detailed that the cancer was identified during a procedure related to a benign enlarged prostate condition the previous month. According to palace officials, “a separate issue of concern was noted” during the prostate treatment, leading to further diagnostic tests which confirmed “a form of cancer.” Since the initial announcement, details regarding the specific type of cancer or the extent of his condition have not been publicly disclosed, although it has been clarified that it is not prostate cancer.
The February 5th statement also indicated the commencement of “a schedule of regular treatments,” advising the King to postpone his public-facing engagements during this period. Despite the lack of specific information, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned in a BBC radio interview, reported by NBC News, that the cancer was “caught early.” Sunak expressed the widespread sentiment, stating, “And now everyone will be wishing that he gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery.”
Even while stepping back from some public duties, King Charles met with Prime Minister Sunak on February 21. During this meeting, the King acknowledged the outpouring of support he had received. In a light-hearted exchange captured by the BBC, when Sunak remarked, “Wonderful to see you looking so well,” Charles quipped, “It’s all done by mirrors.” Sunak reassured the King of the nation’s support, saying, “We’re all behind you, the country is behind you.” Charles expressed his deep emotion at the public’s response, sharing, “I’ve had so many wonderful messages and cards, which reduced me to tears most of the time.” Their conversation also touched upon the increased public awareness of cancer charities and treatment, many of which the King has long supported.
King Charles’ Prostate Treatment: Unveiling an Underlying Condition
Prior to the cancer diagnosis, on January 17, 2024, Buckingham Palace had announced King Charles would undergo a “corrective procedure” for a benign enlarged prostate. This treatment was planned to be followed by a “short period of recuperation.” He was admitted to the London Clinic private hospital and underwent the procedure on January 26, being discharged on January 29.
A benign enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common age-related condition, as explained by Dr. Otis Brawley, a professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Brawley noted that BPH is prevalent in “almost every man over the age of 50,” and it can cause discomfort by putting pressure on the bladder and obstructing urine flow. Dr. Justin R. Gregg, a urologic oncologist from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, elaborated that BPH typically affects the “zone of transition” of the prostate, the area surrounding the urethra.
Dr. Brawley used the analogy of a donut to describe the prostate, with urination occurring through the donut hole. As a donut expands while baking, the central hole narrows. Similarly, prostate enlargement constricts the urethra, leading to urination difficulties and incomplete bladder emptying. Nocturia, the need to urinate frequently during the night, is a common symptom for men with enlarged prostates, according to Dr. Brawley.
Treatments for BPH range from medications, often requiring long-term use, to surgical interventions. Medications can relax prostate muscles or reduce prostate size over time, as Dr. Gregg mentioned. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a common surgical option. Dr. Brawley described TURP as a procedure involving a “drill up the urethra” to enlarge the urinary passage through the prostate. Buckingham Palace did not specify the exact procedure King Charles underwent.
Confirming the Diagnosis: Yes, King Charles Has Cancer
To definitively answer the question: Yes, King Charles III has cancer. This was confirmed by Buckingham Palace in their statement on February 5, 2024. The statement clearly indicated that the cancer diagnosis followed investigations prompted by findings during his benign prostate enlargement treatment. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace stated, solidifying the King’s medical diagnosis.
The Unknown Cancer Type: Beyond Prostate Cancer
While confirming the cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer King Charles is facing, only clarifying that it is not prostate cancer. The palace statement conveyed the King’s gratitude towards his medical team for their prompt action, enabled by his recent prostate procedure. It also emphasized his positive outlook regarding his treatment and his anticipation of resuming full public duties as soon as medically advisable. King Charles commenced outpatient treatment for the cancer on February 5, 2024, and by late April, he had returned to public-facing royal duties.
Incidental Cancer Discoveries: Uncovering the Unexpected During Prostate Care
King Charles’ diagnosis appears to be an example of what medical professionals term an incidental diagnosis. This means the cancer was not the primary focus of the medical investigation but was discovered unexpectedly during procedures for another condition. Dr. Tara Narula, an NBC medical contributor, explained on TODAY that incidental findings are not uncommon. “Any time you go in for any sort of surgical procedure, you have pre-op testing. That involves labs, urinalysis and usually a chest X-ray. In that case, you might find something.”
Dr. Gregg added that tissue removed during some prostate procedures is analyzed, which can sometimes lead to an incidental prostate cancer diagnosis. However, it has been confirmed that King Charles does not have prostate cancer. Dr. Brawley noted that routine imaging, like CT scans or MRIs of the pelvis or abdomen, during BPH treatment can reveal other unrelated cancers, such as kidney or bladder cancer. Dr. Narula highlighted the advancements in imaging technology, “Now, we have CAT scans and MRIs that are so good that many times we pick up incidental things.” Scopes used during prostate surgery can also detect bladder cancer. Dr. Brawley described how scopes can reveal bladder issues, “which frequently look like cauliflower growing into the bladder.”
While kidney cancer often lacks early symptoms, Dr. Brawley explained, bladder cancer can manifest symptoms similar to BPH, such as urinary urgency or frequency, as Dr. Gregg corroborated. Less frequently, colorectal cancer or other conditions like lymphoma might be incidentally diagnosed during these routine medical evaluations. It’s crucial to understand that these cancers are not caused by or directly related to an enlarged prostate, Dr. Brawley emphasized.
Dr. Narula stressed the positive aspect of early detection, “when you find things early, that’s the best thing when it comes to cancer because we have treatments available,” and early diagnosis significantly improves treatment effectiveness. The Buckingham Palace statement on February 5th highlighted King Charles’ decision to share his diagnosis “to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.” Dr. Gregg hopes this situation serves as a reminder for individuals experiencing urinary symptoms to consult their doctor and to prioritize regular cancer screenings, including prostate cancer screening as they age.
King Charles Resumes Royal Duties Amidst Ongoing Treatment
Despite his cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment, King Charles has returned to his public-facing royal duties. His first public appearance post-diagnosis was on April 30, 2024, at a UK cancer hospital. Buckingham Palace’s initial announcement stated that while the King would step back from public-facing duties during treatment, he would “continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.” On April 26, the palace announced his “shortly return” to public engagements, noting that his medical team was “sufficiently pleased” with his progress, although treatment would continue indefinitely.
The palace clarified that King Charles’ future engagements would be guided by medical advice and adjusted to minimize risks to his continued recovery. It was also mentioned that he was not expected to maintain a full summer schedule of royal duties. The announcement of his return was accompanied by a new photograph with Queen Camilla, taken on April 10 in Buckingham Palace Gardens. His first public appearance was at a London cancer hospital on April 30 with Queen Camilla, where he met with specialists and patients in his new role as patron of Cancer Research UK.
By May 2024, King Charles’ schedule became quite full. Regrettably, this busy schedule prevented him from meeting his son, Prince Harry, during Harry’s UK visit in May for the Invictus Games. A spokesperson for Prince Harry stated, “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme,” adding that Harry understood his father’s commitments and hoped to see him soon. King Charles had a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Sunak on May 8, coinciding with Harry’s appearance at St. Paul’s Cathedral for the Invictus Games anniversary.
Current Health Status: King Charles’ Positive Progress
King Charles’ current health status is reported to be positive, enabling him to maintain a busy schedule of royal duties since May 2024. His public return on April 30 marked a significant step in resuming his responsibilities. Prior to this, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson indicated that while it was “too early to say” how long his treatment would last, his medical team was “very encouraged” by his progress and remained optimistic about his continued recovery. The spokesperson also conveyed the King’s encouragement at resuming public-facing duties and his gratitude for the ongoing care and expertise of his medical team. Buckingham Palace concluded their statement by expressing the deep gratitude of King Charles and Queen Camilla for the global outpouring of kindness and well-wishes received throughout the past year. Princess Eugenie, King Charles’ niece, provided a further update at a charity event on March 21, stating, “He’s doing well,” and that he would be “very proud” of the Elephant Family charity event.
Conclusion
King Charles III’s medical journey, from his benign prostate enlargement treatment to the subsequent cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment, has been met with transparency and resilience. Despite the challenges, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to his royal duties, returning to public engagements while continuing his cancer treatment. The King and Queen have expressed profound gratitude for the widespread support they have received, and the public remains hopeful for King Charles’ continued recovery and well-being.
