KING Charles III has given an update about his health after announcing in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
He is set to return to his usual royal duties. Here we take a look at the timeline of events surrounding the monarch’s health.
How is King Charles?
King Charles is due to return his royal duties after undergoing cancer treatment.
The King will make his return just 11 weeks after his announcement that he had cancer and will be visiting a cancer hospital to meet staff and patients on Tuesday May 30, 2024.
The palace have also confirmed that he will be hosting a state visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan in the summer.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.
“To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet with medical specialists and patients.
“This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.”
The palace confirmed that the King’s treatment is ongoing but doctors are pleased with his progress.
They said: “His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.
“Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
The palace revealed that while King Charles underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate, the unspecified cancer was found.
Friends and family of the Monarch have said his spirits remain high as he fights his latest health battle.
His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far.
Buckingham Palace
While a hospital outpatient, King Charles has continued to carry out his constitutional role — reading government papers and having weekly audiences with the Prime Minister.
It is understood Charles returned from Sandringham to London for his treatment.
The King’s family have rallied around him, which also saw his youngest son Prince Harry briefly flying in from America to be by his father’s side.
Here is a timeline of the King’s health battle so far in 2024:
January 17
It was announced that the King was to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
A statement read: “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 King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
January 26
The King was admitted to the London Clinic where he underwent a corrective procedure on his enlarged prostate.
At the time, Buckingham Palace said: “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.
“He is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”
January 29
The King was discharged from hospital following the procedure.
After originally expecting to spend one night in hospital, Charles stayed for three days.
There he was given the all-clear to head back home where he could finish his recovery.
January 31
During a royal engagement, Queen Camilla gave a health update on how the King was doing following his treatment.
Whilst attending an event at Windsor Castle, she was asked about how the monarch was feeling after his recent procedure.
To which Queen Camilla replied: “He’s getting on, doing his best.”
February 5
Buckingham Palace announced the King has cancer.
Although the type of cancer Charles has not been revealed, it was stated that it was not of the prostate.
The statement read: “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.”
You can read the full statement from Buckingham Palace here.
February 10
In his first statement since his cancer diagnosis, the King offered his “heartfelt thanks” to the public for their support.
The monarch said: “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.
“As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.
“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 organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.
“My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”
February 13
King Charles was seen smiling and waving as he arrived back in London for more cancer treatment.
The monarch was accompanied by Queen Camilla, as they landed together in the capital by helicopter.
They had been staying at the King’s country residence in Sandringham.
February 14
The King went back to work in London before returning to Sandringham to recover after his cancer treatment.
The monarch looked in good spirits as he headed to Buckingham Palace for state business.
After going through his red boxes and meeting palace officials, Charles headed back to Sandringham via helicopter for some rest.
March 31
King Charles joined Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family – including Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and the Duchess of York– for the annual Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
It was his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis.
The palace said that the King has “responded to treatment very encouragingly”.
Footage showed the King giving around 60 handshakes to a crowd and one person told him “get well soon Your Majesty”.
The King replied: “I’m doing my best.”
April 26
It was announced that King Charles is well enough to return to public-facing royal duties.
This came just 11 weeks after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
His first appearance back will be to a cancer hospital where he will be joined by Queen Camilla.
It was also revealed that he would be visiting Japan later on in the year in the summer.
What other health problems has King Charles had?
Charles has had a number of minor health problems throughout his life, including chronic neck and back pain and broken bones.
The King has also had other medical issues, such as a scratched cornea and undergoing knee surgery.
He has also undergone procedures to remove a non cancerous growth from his face as well as surgeries on his appendix and a hernia.
Charles has twice fallen from a horse, luckily not suffering any long term damage on those occasions, and damaged his larynx whilst playing polo in 1981.
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