A Complete Timeline of King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Buckingham Palace revealed that the King has cancer after he underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Christmas Morning Service
Photo:

Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles is focusing on his health following his cancer diagnosis.

After undergoing a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate in January, Buckingham Palace revealed that the King has cancer on Feb. 5.

"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," the palace said in a statement.

The statement added that King Charles has “commenced a schedule of regular treatments” which will cause him to postpone his public-facing duties for the time being. 

The medical diagnosis comes after his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery, which will also cause her to be out of the public eye in the coming months. Her surgery took place on Jan. 16 and she was later discharged to her home in Windsor on Jan. 29, where she has been recovering. 

Here’s everything to know about King Charles’ medical timeline. 

January 17, 2024: Buckingham Palace reveals King Charles will receive treatment for an enlarged prostate 

King Charles III leaves a national service of thanksgiving and dedication to the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at St Giles' Cathedral on July 05, 2023

Samir Hussein/WireImage

In mid-January, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles would undergo a medical procedure on his prostate.

"In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," Buckingham Palace announced in a statement. "His Majesty's condition is benign, and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure."

They added, "The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation." At the time, it was understood that the King wanted to share his diagnosis to encourage men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked.

January 26, 2024: King Charles is admitted to the hospital for surgery 

The following week, King Charles was photographed arriving with Queen Camilla at the private London Clinic, the same hospital where Kate was recovering from abdominal surgery. PEOPLE understands that the King visited the Princess of Wales in the hospital ahead of his own surgery.

According to U.K. newspaper The Telegraph, Charles left Clarence House just after 8:30 a.m. local time on Friday, having returned to London the previous day ahead of the procedure.

"The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment," Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement. "His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness."

January 27, 2024: Queen Camilla visits King Charles in the hospital 

Queen Camilla departs The London Clinic in central London where King Charles is being treated for an enlarged prostate.

 Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty;  Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty 

After Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles was in the hospital, his wife was subsequently photographed leaving The London Clinic three separate times over a 24-hour period.

During one trip, Camilla also informed well-wishers gathered outside about her husband's well-being. "He's fine, thank you," she said, per ITV's Chris Ship.

January 29, 2024: King Charles leaves the hospital after his surgery 

 King Charles III waves as he departs with Queen Camilla after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate at The London Clinic

Peter Nicholls/Getty Images

Three days after his surgery, King Charles was released from the hospital. He left the hospital's front entrance alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, waving to the gathering crowd outside as he walked to his awaiting car.

"The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

"He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days," the statement continued.

February 4, 2024: King Charles is seen for the first time since his surgery 

King Charles III attends the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate
King Charles attends church on Jan. 7, 2024.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

On Feb. 4, the King was seen for the first time since leaving the hospital as he greeted well-wishers outside St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham. He was accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, as they both walked to Sunday services near their country home in Norfolk, England. The royals were also pictured with the Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Williams, the Rector of Sandringham.

February 5, 2024: King Charles announces cancer diagnosis 

The day after stepping out for the Sunday church service, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles' cancer diagnosis

"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," the palace said in a statement.

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual," the statement continued.

"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," the statement added. "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

PEOPLE understands King Charles told his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about the diagnosis himself. The King also personally informed his siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, before the news was made public.

February 6, 2024: King Charles photographed for first time since cancer news

King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave Clarence House in London following the announcement of King Charles III's cancer diagnosis on Monday evening
Queen Camilla and King Charles on Feb. 6, 2024.

James Manning/PA Images via Getty Images

On Feb. 6, the King and Queen Camilla were photographed driving from Clarence House, their home in London, one day after the palace made the shocking announcement about the King’s health.

The royals gave a wave through the window, and the couple reportedly made their way to Buckingham Palace, where they'd travel to Sandringham House by helicopter.

King Charles had just met with his younger son, Prince Harry, who traveled from California to London to see his father amid the news of his cancer diagnosis.

February 10, 2024: King Charles speaks out for the first time about cancer

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the monarch expressed his thanks for all of the well-wishes he has received in the wake of his health news.

"I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days," the King said. "As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement."

"It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the U.K. and wider world," the statement continued. "My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience."

February 18, 2024: King Charles attends church with Queen Camilla

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend church on Feb. 18, 2024.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Throughout February, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended church at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. King Charles has returned to London for cancer treatment and meetings with staff, but he's mainly stayed out of the public eye in the country at Sandringham as he continues his duties behind the scenes.

February 21, 2024: King Charles has his first in-person meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since cancer diagnosis

Britain's King Charles III (R) speaks with Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on February 21, 2024 for their first in-person audience since the King's diagnosis with cancer.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles meet at Buckingham Palace on Feb. 21, 2024.

JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty

King Charles held his first face-to-face audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since sharing his cancer news with the world on Feb. 21.

The prime minister told the monarch, "We're all behind you. The country's behind you."

The King replied, "I've had so many wonderful messages and cards. It's reduced me to tears most of the time."

March 21, 2024: Queen Camilla shares a health update on King Charles

During a solo trip to Northern Ireland, Queen Camilla offered a brief update on her husband's health while visiting the Arcadia Delicatessen in Belfast.

"He's doing very well. He was very disappointed he couldn't come," Camilla said, according to Hello! magazine.

She also joked that she tries to "keep him in order" when someone quipped that men don't "make the best patients."

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