King Charles III's Health Journey: A Look Back at His Cancer Battle
Observers of the monarchy have closely monitored King Charles III’s medical journey since his diagnosis with an unspecified form of cancer in February 2024.
“While undergoing a recent hospital procedure for a non-cancerous prostate enlargement, a distinct worrying issue was observed,” Buckingham Palace stated then. “Further examinations revealed a type of cancer.”
Information regarding Charles’ medical care has remained largely private, with few health reports issued by the palace in the period after his diagnosis. (Concurrently, Charles’ daughter-in-law, Princess Kate Middleton, was also receiving treatment for her own cancer.)
Following a challenging year for the monarchy, an announcement in December 2024 confirmed Charles’ ongoing cancer therapy. By March 2025, news emerged of the King's short hospital stay, with him later recuperating at his residence.
Royal Correspondent Affirms King Charles III Is Not Suffering From Prostate Cancer
Continue reading for a chronological account of Charles’ health struggle:
January 2024
On January 17, Buckingham Palace disclosed that Charles was pursuing medical attention for an enlarged prostate.
“His Majesty’s ailment is non-malignant, and he is scheduled for a hospital visit next week for a remedial operation,” a statement released then conveyed.
February 2024
Under a month following his medical procedure, Charles’ cancer diagnosis was revealed.
“His Majesty has today begun a routine of ongoing treatments, and physicians have recommended he defer public engagements during this time,” a palace communiqué stated. “Throughout this interval, His Majesty will proceed with State affairs and administrative duties as normal.”
The monarch expressed his “gratitude to his medical professionals,” who held an “entirely optimistic view of his treatment.”
March 2024
Charles recommenced his public appearances approximately one month following the announcement of his diagnosis.
May 2024
During a visit to a cancer care facility with his wife, Queen Camilla, the King recounted that his diagnosis initially came as a “slight surprise.”
June 2024
Charles undertook his initial international journey to Normandy, France, while undergoing his medical treatments.
August 2024
Charles provided a short update to well-wishers, mentioning he felt “not too unwell” during an event in Southport, England.
October 2024
Reports widely circulated that Charles had temporarily halted his cancer therapy in anticipation of an international visit to Australia and Samoa, occurring in the identical month.
Later that October, Buckingham Palace indicated in an official release that Charles was anticipating “a rather typical full schedule of international tours” in 2025, notwithstanding his health challenges.
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December 2024
ABC News conveyed that Charles’ cancer therapy would extend into 2025. During an event that month, when queried about his health, the King quipped, “I am still here.”
He also addressed his medical struggle in his Christmas Day address.
“On a personal note, I extend particular, sincere appreciation to the dedicated doctors and nurses who, throughout this year, have stood by me and other family members amidst the uncertainties and worries of sickness, and have contributed the fortitude, attention, and solace we required,” Charles declared. “Furthermore, I am profoundly thankful to everyone who has extended their own thoughtful messages of compassion and support to us.”
March 2025
Buckingham Palace issued a communiqué stating that Charles had been admitted to the hospital for a short period.
“Subsequent to his scheduled and continuous cancer treatment this morning, The King encountered transient adverse effects necessitating a brief hospital observation,” the statement detailed. “Consequently, His Majesty’s afternoon appointments were rescheduled.”
The palace further stated, “As a measure of precaution, upon medical counsel, tomorrow’s planned itinerary will also be rearranged. His Majesty wishes to convey his regrets to anyone who might be inconvenienced or disheartened by this.”
May 2025
Stamford Collis, an international relations student, relayed the King's remarks about his therapy to Hello Magazine, stating, "It occasionally involves one's diet and what you consume. That can be beneficial."
A high-ranking royal assistant provided a status report on Charles, remarking, “I truly perceive no change in him,” as reported by Hello! Magazine.
"The understanding one gains about this disease [cancer] is that you simply cope with it,” they continued. “Provided you follow medical advice, and lead your life as ordinarily as feasible, that is precisely his current approach.”
They further elaborated, “It’s common knowledge that he continues to undergo therapy, but owing to his exceptional fitness, he is managing everything remarkably effectively. As is widely known, his sense of duty propels him, so he simply proceeds with it.”
July 2025
While on a public stroll in Suffolk, Charles conversed with individuals — and downplayed a progress report on his cancer fight.
"I inquired about his health, and he responded that he felt significantly better now and that it was 'merely one of those circumstances,'” stated Lee Harman, who recounted his own cancer experience to the sovereign, to U.K.’s PA Media on July 22. "He then asked me how I was, and I replied, 'I'm perfectly fine,' having received clearance from cancer last year."
September 2025
On September 3, Charles paid a visit to cancer patients at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, providing a status report on his personal health struggle.
"I am doing reasonably well," Charles informed a patient, as reported by Hello! Magazine. The patient shared with the King his own diagnosis of prostate cancer.
"A significant challenge lies in detecting it … promptly,” Charles remarked. “The commendable aspect, I believe, is the increasing proficiency in managing these conditions. The difficulty is that there's always a glimmer of hope ahead. I apologize for that, it's incredibly disheartening.
