King Charles cancels engagements over cancer treatment side effects

King Charles III of the United Kingdom has canceled his scheduled engagements after experiencing temporary side effects from a routine cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday.

The 76-year-old monarch underwent treatment earlier in the day and required a brief hospital stay before returning to Clarence House.

Following medical advice, the King will not attend his planned engagements on Friday. A palace statement expressed his regrets, saying, "His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result."

Charles had been set to receive credentials from ambassadors on Thursday and participate in four public engagements in Birmingham on Friday. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the King hopes to reschedule the events and extended his apologies to those involved in the arrangements.

A royal source downplayed concerns, describing the situation as a "minor bump in the road" and reaffirming that the King’s recovery remains on a positive trajectory. The statement was released later in the evening to allow Charles time to consult with his staff and medical team regarding his upcoming schedule.