Buckingham Palace released a statement on Thursday that raised concerns among royal fans regarding King Charles’ health.
The statement detailed, “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. His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were therefore postponed.”
“His Majesty has now returned to Clarence House and as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary programme will also be rescheduled.”
“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
The royal family has not yet disclosed the specific type of cancer the monarch is undergoing treatment for.
Just hours after the palace issued the statement, King Charles was seen in public for the first time on Friday, waving to well-wishers and passers-by.
The 76-year-old has been receiving treatment since being diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in February last year, following tests conducted after a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace announced late on Thursday that Charles had returned to his residence, Clarence House, near the palace, after his hospital stay, and his engagements for Friday would be rescheduled as a precaution.
Charles was observed leaving Clarence House by car on Friday morning, seated in the back with his window partially lowered. A BBC video captured Charles waving to individuals lining the frequently busy street between Clarence House and Buckingham Palace.
The palace declined to provide any specifics about the side effects, but a royal source described Thursday’s setback as nothing more than a “minor bump in the road.”
His state visit to Italy next month with his wife, Queen Camilla, is set to proceed as planned, and no further health updates are anticipated.
Charles’ initial cancer diagnosis came as a shock less than 18 months into his reign. However, royal aides have since expressed optimism about his health, and while his schedule is carefully managed, he has resumed a busy workload.
