King Charles III spent a short time in the hospital on Thursday after experiencing temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced.
The 76-year-old monarch returned to Clarence House, where he continued to work on state papers and make calls from his study.
The King was forced to cancel a scheduled tour of Birmingham on Friday, acting on medical advice. He had planned to attend four events in the city and expressed his disappointment at missing them.
“Tomorrow, he was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham and is greatly disappointed to be missing them on this occasion,” the palace said in a statement.
“He very much hopes that they can be rescheduled in due course and offers his deepest apologies to all those who had worked so hard to make the planned visit possible.”
A palace source downplayed the incident, describing it as a “most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction.” The palace did not disclose the nature of the King’s side effects.
The King was said to be “feeling good” on Thursday evening, and he carried out some work and shared dinner with Queen Camilla. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wished the King “all the very best” following the news.
The palace emphasised that the King’s cancer treatment is ongoing, but he is expected to return to his normal schedule next week.
The King’s wider state visit to Italy is also set to continue in April, with some alterations to the planned program.
