King Charles III, 76, will continue his cancer treatment beyond the originally expected recovery period and into the year 2025. The monarch was diagnosed in February 2024 and has since been undergoing consistent medical treatment.
The palace confirmed the extension of his treatment, noting that while progress has been made, the condition remains. Palace sources stated, “Treatment has been moving in a positive direction, and as a managed condition, the treatment cycle will continue into next year.”
The King’s cancer was discovered following a three-night stay at the London Clinic where he was being treated for an enlarged prostate. During this time, doctors discovered a separate health issue that led to further tests and ultimately, a cancer diagnosis. Charles started his cancer treatments on February 5, prompting a temporary reduction in his public duties.
Despite his health concerns, Charles began to increase his public appearances from April 2024, including hosting the Amir of Qatar and undertaking a royal tour to Australia and Samoa with Queen Camilla in October. A senior palace official reported, “We’re now working on a pretty normal-looking, full overseas tour program for next year, which is a high for us to end on, to know that we can be thinking in those terms, subject to signoff by doctors.”
In June 2024, the King traveled to Normandy, France to participate in the D-Day commemorations, marking his first international engagement following his diagnosis. He also took part in the traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony, upholding royal traditions during his ongoing treatment.
Dame Laura Lee, CEO of the cancer support charity Maggie’s, illustrated why the treatment plan is extended. She said, “It’s very common for treatment to be ongoing for very long periods of time… We’ve got immunotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy. There are all sorts of different treatment modalities.”
2024 proved to be a challenging year for the royal family, with King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, disclosing her own cancer diagnosis in March. The 42-year-old princess completed her chemotherapy in September. Prince William described 2024 as “probably the hardest year” of his life, as he navigated the health crises of both his wife and father.
President-elect Donald Trump shared insight into the monarch’s private battle, revealing that the King is “fighting very hard” against the illness.
Adding to the royal family’s health worries, Queen Camilla, 77, has recently had to miss several events due to a chest infection, further impacting the palace’s capacity to carry out normal operations.
The King continues to fulfill his schedule of duties as he manages the side effects of his treatment, including loss of taste, as revealed in discussions with a British army veteran. Despite these challenges, Charles maintained a busy schedule in December, including hosting the annual royal family Christmas lunch on December 19 and visiting Walthamstow, East London, with Queen Camilla on December 20 to support community initiatives.