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King Charles III is strongly carrying out royal duties while managing his cancer, a diagnosis he publicly disclosed in early 2024 following a routine medical procedure. The Palace has not specified the type of cancer, but officials have emphasized that it was detected early and that the King has remained actively engaged in his role as monarch throughout treatment.
In early 2024, the monarch first revealed that he had been diagnosed with a “form of cancer” following surgery. The diagnosis reportedly “shocked” multiple insiders from Buckingham Palace, according to People. His health has remained a topic of public interest since he ascended the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who lived to age 96. Amid ongoing attention to his health, family dynamics have also drawn focus. In May 2025, Prince Harry spoke publicly about his strained relationship with his father, expressing a desire for reconciliation and acknowledging the seriousness of Charles’ health situation.
In a rare and candid public message broadcast in the U.K. last year, Charles addressed his health directly. “Today, I am able to share with you the good news that, thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention, and adherence to doctors’ orders, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year,” the King said in a pre-recorded message aired during Channel 4’s ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ night.
He continued, “This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the fifty percent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”
Here’s everything you need to know about King Charles III’s health.
King Charles III Was Treated for an Enlarged Prostate
Buckingham Palace released a statement on January 17, 2024, announcing that King Charles was going to be hospitalized for an upcoming surgery.
“In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” the statement 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.”
News of King Charles’ surgery broke the same day that Kensington Palace announced that his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, was hospitalized for a “planned abdominal surgery.” The Palace confirmed that Kate’s surgery was successful and she was recovering. She later shared in March 2024 that she had also been diagnosed with cancer and began preventative chemotherapy. In September 2024, Kate revealed she had completed treatment and was cancer-free, though she admitted the recovery process was “really, really difficult.”
What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
An enlarged prostate, called Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition becomes more common with age, especially in men over 50. Treatments include medicines, surgery and other procedures.
How Is King Charles III’s Health Today?
Charles remains strongly engaged in his royal duties while undergoing treatment for cancer. In a rare televised message aired in December 2025 as part of Channel 4’s ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ campaign, the King shared that his treatment schedule will be reduced in the new year, signaling positive progress in his recovery. He credited early diagnosis, effective treatment, and following medical advice for the improvement.
Previously, the King made his first public health update in months during a visit to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, where he remarked, “I’m not too bad” and emphasized improving treatments and the value of early detection.
“Half the problem is detecting it … in time,” he said. “The great thing, I think, is they’re getting better and better at dealing with these things. The trouble is there’s always hope down the road.”
Earlier in 2025, the King briefly stepped back from public engagements following a short hospital stay due to treatment-related side effects, which Buckingham Palace described as a “minor bump in the road.” In July 2025, during a walkabout, Charles told a cancer survivor he felt “a lot better,” confirming some progress in his recovery.
Charles and Camilla were seen leaving The London Clinic on January 29, 2024. The palace gave the latest update on Charles’ health that same day “The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation,” the palace said in a statement, according to ABC News.
The Royal Family’s Instagram account released a statement on January 29, as well. “Thank you to all those who have sent their good wishes during The King’s hospital stay,” the statement read. “His Majesty is delighted that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”
NEW: King Charles has left hospital after his surgery.
He did not reply to questions about how he is feeling.
He will stay in London tonight as he continues his recuperation. pic.twitter.com/dIE2gU3tdX— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) January 29, 2024
Shortly after his procedure, Camilla visited Aberdeen, Scotland, and in a video by ITV reporter Chris Ship, she said that he was doing well after the procedure. “He’s fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work,” she said in the clip shared on X.
A palace insider also opened up about why the monarch decided to be candid about the health issues and disclose exactly what was going on. “It was sensible to be more open about it, as otherwise, people might have thought the worst,” the source told People for a January 25, 2024, report.
On January 26, 2024, Queen Camilla was seen leaving the London Clinic where her husband was staying. As she walked out, she told reporters in a separate online video that Charles is “fine.” PEOPLE reported that the king was doing well following the procedure.
Queen Camilla leaves hospital where King Charles is being treated. She said “he’s fine, thank you” as she left The London Clinic. pic.twitter.com/8BYU8mbRKb
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) January 26, 2024
Unfortunately, doctors discovered that Charles has a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a public statement on February 5, 2024.
“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 palace’s 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.”
Charles spoke out about the support he’s received since his going public with his diagnosis in an Instagram post on February 11, 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,” he said. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”
King Charles III’s Past Health Issues
King Charles has dealt with minimal health issues in his lifetime. Back in 2003, when he was still Prince Charles, he hurt his hernia laying hedges in the gardens at one of his estates and underwent a “fairly routine operation,” according to the BBC. In 2008, he had a “minor and routine” procedure to remove a non-cancerous growth from his face, according to the Associated Press.
King Charles has also had COVID-19 twice. He first tested positive for the virus in March 2020 as the worldwide pandemic began. At the time, his spokesperson told People that Charles was in “good spirits” and continued working at home amid “mild symptoms.” He tested positive for the virus a second time in February 2022. Clarence House said in a statement that he was “self-isolating” until he was free to resume his royal duties.
