King Charles admitted to hospital in connection with cancer treatment

The King has had to cancel his engagements for today

Buckingham Palace said the 76-year-old “required a short period of observation in hospital”, but has now returned to Clarence House.

He went into the London Clinic, where he has been treated for an enlarged prostate, on Thursday (27 March) due to side effects from his cancer treatment.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement confirming the King's movements.

“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,” it said.

“His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were therefore postponed. His Majesty has now returned to Clarence House and as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary programme will also be rescheduled.

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

Although the specifics of the side effects the King was suffering have not been revealed, it is understood that they are not uncommon and are temporary.

The Queen did not stay with him during his brief spell in the hospital, with a source describing the hospital admission as “most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction”.

He is said to be recovering at home, and taking calls and working on papers from his Clarence House study.

“His Majesty was due to receive credentials from the ambassadors of three different nations this afternoon," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.

“Tomorrow, he was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham, and is greatly disappointed to be missing them on this occasion.

“He very much hopes that they can rescheduled in due course and offers his deepest apologies to all those who had worked so hard to make the planned visit possible.”

Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February last year. He returned to public-facing duties in April, despite still undergoing treatment.