Britain's King Charles III, 76, has cancelled a series of public engagements following a brief hospitalisation due to side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced.
The monarch, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024, experienced temporary side effects requiring observation at The London Clinic.
He has since returned to Clarence House, where he continues to recover under medical advice.
The King had been scheduled to visit Birmingham on Friday for multiple engagements, including appearances at the Royal Ballet and a Sikh temple.
Buckingham Palace expressed the King’s disappointment at missing these events and extended apologies to those involved.
This marks a rare interruption in the King’s otherwise active schedule, as he has continued to fulfill state duties despite undergoing weekly treatment since his diagnosis.
The state visit to Italy, planned for April, remains on the calendar with some adjustments to the itinerary. The visit will include a historic address to the Italian Parliament and engagements in Rome and Ravenna, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the UK and Italy. The trip coincides with the King and Queen’s 20th wedding anniversary, adding a personal milestone to the diplomatic agenda.
King Charles’s health challenges have been a focal point since his diagnosis, which followed treatment for an enlarged prostate in early 2024. Despite stepping back from public duties for a period, he resumed his royal responsibilities last April. His condition has been managed as a chronic illness, with the Palace emphasizing positive progress in his treatment.
For global investors, the King’s health and ability to maintain his royal duties are significant, given the monarchy’s role in fostering international relations and economic partnerships. The upcoming state visit to Italy highlights the monarchy’s continued influence in strengthening diplomatic and trade ties, even amid personal health challenges.
