King Charles seen in public for the first time since health scare amid cancer treatment

King Charles has been seen in public for the first time since his brief hospital stay for side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment. 

The monarch was spotted waving at well-wishers while leaving Clarence House in London this morning, as he headed to his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.

The King, 76, appeared in good spirits as he was driven away in a black Audi, following a period of rest at home after his hospital visit.

On Thursday night, March 28, Buckingham Palace announced that the King had been briefly hospitalised due to side effects from his routine cancer treatment. The monarch returned home to Clarence House later that day and has since been recovering comfortably.

A royal source described the incident as "a most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction."

In an official statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, the King experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital. His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were therefore postponed.”

The Palace added: “His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”

What has King Charles been diagnosed with? 

King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and has been undergoing regular treatment ever since.

After initially postponing public-facing duties for nearly 12 weeks, the monarch resumed a full schedule of engagements, including a demanding tour of Australia and Samoa.

Despite the brief hospital visit, a royal source indicated that King Charles’ treatment remains on track and that his planned state visit to Italy next month is still expected to proceed.

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