King Charles III is prioritizing his health after receiving a cancer diagnosis, a matter that has taken precedence following his recent procedure for an enlarged prostate. This health update has naturally sparked global interest and concern, especially regarding the British royal family.
The news of King Charles’ cancer was made public by Buckingham Palace on February 5th, subsequent to his January hospital stay for a benign prostate enlargement treatment.
According to the official statement, “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
The palace also indicated that King Charles has “commenced a schedule of regular treatments,” leading to a temporary pause in his public engagements.
This medical development followed shortly after the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, underwent abdominal surgery in January, further highlighting health concerns within the royal family. Princess Middleton’s surgery occurred on January 16th, and she was discharged on January 29th to recover at home in Windsor.
Below is a detailed timeline of King Charles’ medical journey, providing a clearer picture of the events as they unfolded.
January 17, 2024: Buckingham Palace Announces King Charles’ Prostate Treatment
Buckingham Palace announced in mid-January that King Charles would undergo a medical procedure to address an enlarged prostate.
In their statement, they clarified, “In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign, and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.”
The palace also stated, “The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.” It was also conveyed that King Charles aimed to raise public awareness about prostate issues and encourage men experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice.
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King Charles III attends a national service following his coronation, prior to the announcement regarding his prostate treatment.
January 26, 2024: King Charles Admitted to Hospital for Prostate Surgery
The subsequent week saw King Charles and Queen Camilla arriving at the London Clinic, a private hospital where Princess Kate was also recovering. Reports indicated that King Charles visited the Princess of Wales before his own procedure.
Sources like The Telegraph reported King Charles’ departure from Clarence House early Friday morning, having returned to London in preparation for the surgery.
Buckingham Palace confirmed his hospital admission, stating, “The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment. His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”
January 27, 2024: Queen Camilla Visits King Charles in Hospital
Following King Charles’ hospital admission for his prostate procedure, Queen Camilla was seen leaving The London Clinic multiple times within a 24-hour period.
Camilla reassured well-wishers gathered outside the hospital about her husband’s condition, stating, “He’s fine, thank you,” as reported by ITV’s Chris Ship.
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Queen Camilla makes multiple visits to King Charles at The London Clinic during his hospital stay for prostate treatment.
January 29, 2024: King Charles Discharged from Hospital After Surgery
Three days post-surgery, King Charles was discharged from the hospital. He and Queen Camilla waved to the public as they exited the London Clinic to their car.
Buckingham Palace released a statement: “The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation.”
The statement continued, “He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days.”
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla acknowledge the crowd as they depart from The London Clinic following his successful prostate procedure.
February 4, 2024: King Charles Seen in Public Post-Surgery
King Charles made his first public appearance since leaving the hospital on February 4th, greeting well-wishers near St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. He was accompanied by Queen Camilla for Sunday services.
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King Charles attends church in Sandringham, his first public appearance after his hospital stay, alongside Queen Camilla.
February 5, 2024: King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis Announced
The day after his public appearance, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
The official statement reiterated, “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” the statement confirmed.
The palace further added that King Charles was thankful for the “swift intervention” of his medical team and remained “wholly positive” about his treatment. His decision to share his diagnosis was aimed at preventing speculation and promoting public awareness about cancer.
It was also reported that King Charles personally informed his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as his siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, about his diagnosis before the public announcement.
February 6, 2024: King Charles Photographed After Cancer Announcement
The day following the cancer diagnosis announcement, King Charles and Queen Camilla were photographed leaving Clarence House.
They were seen waving from their car, reportedly en route to Buckingham Palace before traveling to Sandringham House by helicopter.
Earlier that day, King Charles had met with his son, Prince Harry, who traveled from California to be with his father after the news of his diagnosis.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles are seen leaving Clarence House, the day after the public was informed of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
February 10, 2024: King Charles Publicly Addresses Cancer Diagnosis
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, King Charles expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support he received following his health announcement.
“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” King Charles stated. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”
He further noted, “It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the U.K. and wider world.”
February 18, 2024: King Charles Attends Church Amidst Treatment
Throughout February, King Charles and Queen Camilla were regularly seen attending church at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate. Despite commencing cancer treatment and reducing public appearances, King Charles continued to perform state duties behind the scenes.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla attend church in Sandringham during his ongoing cancer treatment period.
February 21, 2024: King Charles Meets Prime Minister Rishi Sunak In Person
King Charles held his first in-person meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since his cancer diagnosis was made public.
Prime Minister Sunak conveyed public support, saying, “We’re all behind you. The country’s behind you.”
King Charles responded, “I’ve had so many wonderful messages and cards. It’s reduced me to tears most of the time,” expressing his emotional response to the widespread support.
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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s visit to Buckingham Palace for a face-to-face meeting with King Charles following the King’s cancer diagnosis.
March 21, 2024: Queen Camilla Updates on King Charles’ Health
During a solo engagement in Northern Ireland, Queen Camilla provided a positive update on King Charles’ health while visiting Belfast.
“[He’s doing very well. He was very disappointed he couldn’t come,” Camilla shared, as reported by Hello! magazine. She also lightheartedly mentioned trying to “keep him in order,” acknowledging common perceptions about men as patients.
May 17, 2024: King Charles Announces First Overseas Trip Since Diagnosis
King Charles scheduled his first overseas trip post-diagnosis, planning to visit Normandy, France, on June 6, 2024, accompanied by Queen Camilla.
They are set to participate in the 80th anniversary commemoration of D-Day at the British Normandy Memorial, marking his first international public duty since his cancer diagnosis.
March 27, 2025: King Charles Briefly Hospitalized Due to Treatment Side Effects
Buckingham Palace disclosed that King Charles was briefly hospitalized at The London Clinic “following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning.”
This hospitalization was due to “[temporary side effects] that required a short period of observation in hospital,” leading to the postponement of royal engagements for that day and the next.
After returning to Clarence House on March 28th, King Charles was photographed waving to the public from his car, marking his first appearance since this brief hospitalization.
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King Charles III waves to onlookers as he departs Clarence House after a short hospital stay related to his cancer treatment.
This timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding King Charles’ diagnosis and subsequent health journey, reflecting the ongoing focus on his well-being and the royal family’s approach to public communication during this period.
