Inside King Charles' cancer battle - Palace health updates to how royals reacted to the news
The king's diagnosis was announced in February 2024King Charles III faced some health woes in 2024 after being diagnosed with cancer.
The monarch, 76, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024. The news was made public on February 5, 2024. It came after he underwent a procedure for an enlarged prostate.
But how did Buckingham Palace announce the news and how is King Charles‘ treatment going? Here’s everything you need to know.
Statement on King Charles’ cancer
On February 5, 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had cancer, but has not disclosed what type he was diagnosed with.
The full statement read: “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.
“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.”
It added: “The king 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.
“His Majesty 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.”
A few days later on February 10, King Charles shared a new message. He thanked people for their well wishes.
It read: “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.”
Despite stripping back the amount of his duties, the king still made a few appearances including an in-person meeting with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak later in February.
How the royals reacted to Charles’ cancer news
A few weeks later, Charles’ wife Queen Camilla shared an update on his health. During a royal engagement, she said he was doing “very well”.
Reports claimed that she became a “massive support in so many ways” for her husband.
I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received.
Charles’ youngest son Prince Harry – who lives in America – said his father called him to tell him the news. Speaking to ABC News in February, Harry said: “I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could.
“I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that.”
In March, Peter Phillips – the nephew of King Charles – told Sky News Australia that his uncle felt “frustrated that he can’t get on and do everything that he wants to be able to do”.
Elsewhere in March, Charles’ daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, announced her own cancer diagnosis.
The king said in a statement that he felt “so proud” of Kate for her “courage” in sharing her diagnosis.
According to reports at the time, Charles privately provided much support to Kate Middleton including calling her daily to check in. A source claimed the health news had brought them “closer than ever”.
King’s oversea visits while battling cancer
Later into the year, the monarch made his first overseas trip since his diagnosis. He travelled to Normandy, France, in June to mark D-Day.
He also attended Trooping the Colour 2024 celebrations – which is the monarch’s official birthday parade. Royal fans appeared delighted to see him alongside members of the family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
He and Camilla also embarked on an official tour to Australia and Samoa in October 2024. According to reports, the king paused his cancer treatment during the tour.
Later in 2024, the king made several more royal appearances including the Remembrance Sunday service and welcoming the Emir of Qatar for his official state visit in November.
Prince William details ‘brutal’ year
Early in November 2024, the Prince of Wales opened up about enduring a “brutal” year following his father and wife’s cancer battles.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to South Africa, Prince William admitted of 2024: “It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.”
He added: “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
Read more: King Charles stuns royal fans with his appearance in new visit amid cancer treatment
To mark World Cancer Day on February 4, 2025, the royal family’s social media pages shared a video showing celebrities speaking out about the disease.
The post read: “This World Cancer Day, we are sending love to all those navigating a cancer diagnosis – as well as the incredible doctors, nurses, charities and families who work tirelessly to support them.”
Advice to fellow cancer patient
In March King Charles spoke to fellow cancer patients during a trip in Northern Ireland.
He offered health advice as he visited a cancer research laboratory in the Pharmacy and Pharmacology Department of Ulster University’s Coleraine campus.
The 76-year-old reportedly said: “What’s that Winston Churchill saying?
“Keep buggering on.”
It’s also said he added: “You just have to push on, don’t you”.
The latest update on King Charles’ health
On March 27, Buckingham Palace issued a statement detailing King Charles had underwent hospital observation due to side effects relating to his cancer treatment.
The monarch was forced to postpone his engagements for the rest of the week, as he worked from his home.
The palace explained he was doing well and the temporary side effects are supposedly normal for particular type of medical treatments. They did not disclose what type they were.
Royal fans sent well-wishes, as well as Prime Minister Keir starmer.
At the time of writing, the king is still undergoing treatment for his cancer. He seems to be doing well as he plans to carry on performing his duties.
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