Members of the royal family have suffered health issues over the last few years, most recently King Charles III and the Princess of Wales.

Both were diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and underwent treatment.

Meanwhile, some other members of the monarchy have dealt with health problems. Let’s take a look.

Royal health – King Charles’ surgery and cancer

The king underwent a procedure for an enlarged prostate in January 2024. At the time, Buckingham Palace said he was undergoing a “corrective procedure”.

At the beginning of February, it was then announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer, and the palace has never confirmed which type.

A statement from the palace read at the time: “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.”

Across 2024, the king’s royal duties were stripped back. However, towards the end of the year, he embarked on many more as his treatment continued.

In October 2024, the king and Queen Camilla travelled to Australia and Samoa for an official tour.

At the time of writing, the king’s treatment for cancer continues.

Over the years, the monarch has had some other health issues including having a hernia operation in 2003 and having a non-cancerous growth removed from the bridge of his nose in 2008.

He also caught COVID-19 in 2020 during the pandemic. He caught it for a second time in 2022.

Kate, Princess of Wales’ surgery and cancer

Kate, Princess of Wales, has also been treated for cancer in 2024. In January, she underwent abdominal surgery.

At the time, Kensington Palace said the surgery was “successful” and that Kate would remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days.

She took a break from royal duties, but it sparked many concerns for the Princess of Wales as she hadn’t been seen since Christmas Day 2023.

Then, in March 2024, Kate announced her cancer diagnosis. In a personal video, the Princess of Wales explained: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful.

“However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”

What Kate said about her cancer

She added at the time: “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.”

After the announcement, Kate made a few royal appearances including at Trooping the Colour – the king’s official birthday parade – in June.

She then took some time out over the summer, before announcing she had completed her treatment. In a heartwarming family video, Kate said: “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.

“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family.”

She added: “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”

Kate said she was “looking forward” to getting back to royal duties when she can.

Away from her cancer, Kate has dealt with some other health issues in the past. During her pregnancies, Kate suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum – aka severe morning sickness.

Royal health – Queen Camilla pneumonia

Later in 2024, Queen Camilla was diagnosed with pneumonia following a chest infection.

The queen was forced to pull out of some Remembrance Day events in November 2024 due to the infection.

Then, at the start of December, Buckingham Palace revealed Camilla had pneumonia.

A statement read: “The queen has been suffering from a viral infection which has been diagnosed as pneumonia.

“Her Majesty has not required hospital treatment but is experiencing lingering side effects, chiefly suffering extreme bouts of tiredness which has meant the need for greater flex in her working diary.”

Over the years, the royal has suffered from some other health issues. She contracted COVID-19 twice during the pandemic, and underwent a hysterectomy in 2007.

She also broke her leg in 2010, while hill walking in Scotland.

Sarah Ferguson’s cancer and surgery

In the last year, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, bravely shared two cancer diagnoses with the world.

In June 2023, Sarah – who was previously married to Prince Andrew – underwent a single mastectomy and reconstructive surgery following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Then, in January 2024, the Duchess of York revealed a skin cancer diagnosis. She was diagnosed with malignant melanoma following the removal of a cancerous mole during her breast cancer treatment.

In an Instagram post in January, Sarah told her followers: “I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was.”

She added: “Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.”

Sarah has continued to urge others to get their skin checked, as well as their breasts.

Royal health – Princess Anne horse accident

Elsewhere in 2024, Princess Anne suffered a horse accident and was treated in hospital.

In June 2024, the Princess Royal was admitted to hospital with a minor head injury and concussion. It’s thought to have been caused by a horse.

After returning home from hospital, Anne took some time out from duties to recover.

But, living up to her unofficial “hardest working royal” title, Anne was back to her engagements by mid-July.