London [UK], March 28 (HBTV): King Charles III was briefly hospitalised on Thursday after suffering side effects from his cancer treatment, according to a statement released by Buckingham Palace, The New York Times reported.

The palace stated that Charles (76) has now returned to his residence in London, Clarence House, and that all his public engagements for Friday have been cancelled as a precaution.

In February the previous year, the King announced that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer and has been undergoing treatment since then. The palace did not specify the nature of the side effects but described them as temporary and requiring ‘a short period of observation in hospital.’

In recent months, King Charles has maintained a vigorous schedule, hosting international leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and visiting the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. However, the palace has not provided updates on his prognosis or the specifics of his treatment. His cancer was detected during surgery for an enlarged prostate in February last year, though the palace confirmed he does not have prostate cancer.

Meanwhile, King Charles’ daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, who was also diagnosed with cancer last year, announced in January that she was cancer-free after several months of chemotherapy.

The palace stated that King Charles’ recovery remains on a positive track and that such side effects are not uncommon among patients undergoing treatment, The New York Times reported. Officials indicated that there were no plans for significant changes to his schedule, which includes domestic and international travel.

King Charles is scheduled to visit Italy in April for a state visit. Earlier this week, the palace announced that he and Queen Camilla would not meet Pope Francis at the Vatican, as the pontiff is still recovering from pneumonia and a severe respiratory illness.

A palace statement read: ‘His Majesty was due to receive credentials from the ambassadors of three different nations this afternoon. Tomorrow, he was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham and is greatly disappointed to be missing them on this occasion.’

It further stated: ‘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.’

In recent months, King Charles has resumed an active schedule, including a nine-day visit to Australia and Samoa last year, The New York Times reported. While the palace has not ruled out further minor adjustments to his engagements, officials stated that the King enjoys his public duties and that they contribute to his well-being.

(ANI)