Inside King Charles III’s Cancer Diagnosis: What to Know About His Treatment and Health Updates

On February 5, ​2024, it was announced that King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer. The news came just days after he made headlines for undergoing surgery, but two months later he was already planning a return to public duties.

Inside King Charles’ Cancer Battle and Treatment

In late January ​2024, Charles underwent surgery to correct his enlarged prostate. He publicly shared details about his health battle in a statement.

“In common with thousands of men each year, the king has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” a statement from Buckingham Palace read. “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, Charles was discharged from the hospital after a successful surgery. He was seen waving at onlookers as he walked with Queen Camilla by his side.

“Thank you to all those who have sent their good wishes during The King’s hospital stay,” Buckingham Palace shared in a statement after the surgery. “His Majesty is delighted that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”

A few days later, the Palace shared news of Charles’ cancer diagnosis. It was not immediately made clear what kind of cancer he was diagnosed with.

“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,” the statement read. “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.”

King Charles III Broke His Silence on His Cancer Diagnosis

On February 10, 2024, Charles spoke out for the first time in a statement regarding his diagnosis.

“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,” he said.

His Majesty continued, “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 organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the U.K. and wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

King Charles III Is Well Enough to Resume Public Duties

Fans rejoiced when the royal family announced on April 26, 2024, that the monarch would be resuming public duties after responding positively to treatment.

“His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis,” the statement 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,” it continued, adding that King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a State Visit in June.

Who Is in Line for the British Family’s Throne After Charles?

Charles became king after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. In May 2023, he was officially crowned as king in a royal coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

“The Coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in long standing traditions and pageantry,” a statement on the royal family’s official website read.

Next in line for the throne is Charles’ eldest son, Prince William, whom he welcomed during his marriage to Princess Diana. William’s brother, Prince Harry, stepped back from his royal duties in January 2020 with his wife, Meghan Markle.

The royal line of succession is always changing due to births and marriages. Behind William in the line of succession is his eldest son, Prince George, whom he shares with wife Princess Kate Middleton. Princess Charlotte, William’s daughter, is currently third in line behind George and the couple’s youngest son, Prince Louis, is fourth in line.

King Charles III Was Hospitalized Amid His Cancer Treatment

In March 2025, Buckingham Palace announced in a statement that Charles was briefly hospitalized amid his cancer treatment.

“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 said. “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.”

One day after the statement was shared, Charles was seen smiling and waving at onlookers from a car outside of Clarence House in London.