On February 5, 2024, Buckingham Palace made the shocking announcement that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer just one week after his hospitalization for prostate surgery. Now, many people are wondering what this means for the royal’s duties and how serious his illness is.

What Did the Palace Say About King Charles’ Cancer?

While Buckingham Palace did not release any details about the king’s diagnosis, their statement on Instagram revealed that “a separate issue of concern was noted” during his recent hospital stay, which was related to his prostate.

“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the statement continued. “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.”

Buckingham Palace added that Charles “is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”

In conclusion, the statement noted that the 75-year-old royal “has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

What Did King Charles Say About His Cancer?

The king broke his silence regarding his cancer diagnosis with a statement on the royal family’s Instagram account on February 10, 2024.

“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” the statement read. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”

Charles concluded, “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.”

Why Was King Charles Hospitalized?

The cancer diagnosis announcement came days after Charles was admitted to the hospital for a scheduled surgery to treat his enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace revealed the king’s plans to have the surgery on January 17, 2024.

“In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” the palace announced at the time. “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.”

On January 29, Buckingham Palace shared a thank you to those who sent well wishes to the king during his hospital stay.

“His Majesty is delighted that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness,” the statement on Instagram added.

Has King Charles Left the Hospital?

Charles was released from the hospital following his surgery on January 29, according to multiple reports. He was seen in public for the first time after the procedure one day before his cancer diagnosis was revealed. Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, attended a service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on February 4, 2024. The couple was seen smiling and waving at photographers at the event.

Updates on King Charles’ Health

Two months after announcing his cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace shared a public update on the king’s health battle.

“His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis,” a statement shared on April 26 read. “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 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 statement continued, “As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year.”

In June 2024, Camilla gave an update on Charles’ battle with cancer when she attended the second annual Queen’s Reading Room Literary Festival at Hampton Court Palace. When asked about Charles, Camilla responded that he was “doing fine except he won’t slow down and won’t do what he’s told,” according to The Sun.

Two months later, Camilla shared another brief update with fans when she visited the Dyson Cancer Center at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, England. Suzy Moon of the Macmillan Partnership inquired about Charles’ health, and the queen said that he was “doing very well,” according to The Mirror.

King Charles Is Hospitalized Amid Cancer Treatments

On March 28, 2025, palace officials released a statement revealing that Charles had been briefly hospitalized.

“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,” the statement from Buckingham Palace read. “His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were, therefore, postponed.”

It continued, “As a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary program will also be rescheduled. His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”

King Charles’ Funeral Plans Are Already Underway

On August 21, 2024, a source exclusively revealed to In Touch that funeral plans for the king were already underway as “death” was “a real possibility.”

“The business of planning his funeral has already begun,” the insider said. “Unpleasant as it seems.”

The code name for the king’s funeral plans is “Operation Menai Bridge,” and Buckingham Palace confirmed with In Touch that “bridge plans are always updated on an ongoing basis as a matter of routine.”

While Charles returned to his royal duties in April 2024, the source admitted that it hadn’t been easy for the monarch.

“He’s making public appearances, but they’re for shorter periods of time,” the insider noted. “He’s often whisked in by helicopter and then whisked out. After an engagement, he needs a good rest. The palace is giving the impression that Charles is on the mend, but he’s still very sick. Still, he’s the king and palace officials are practical enough to know death is a possibility.”

King Charles Says He’s Seen ‘The Best of Humanity’ Amid Cancer Battle

Charles shared another update about his cancer battle during a reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer support organizations in April 2025.

During the event, he thanked medical workers who “so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance” to their patients.

“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” he said, per Us Weekly. “But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.”

Charles then made the speech personal by reflecting on his own battle with cancer. “It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organizations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years,” he continued. “And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits — that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”

He said that healthcare professionals have his “whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.”

“What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection — whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer or the shared experience in a support group,” Charles added. “These moments of kinship create what I might call a ‘community of care,’ one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.”