King Charles spotted in public after hospital visit over cancer treatment side effects

King Charles has been seen in public for the first time since suffering a health scare that caused him to stay in hospital.

King Charles III has been spotted in public for the first time since his stay in hospital after he experienced side effects related to his treatment for cancer.

The 76-year-old waved at well-wishers and passers-by on Friday as he was seen leaving Clarence House, near Buckingham palace, after his time under observation in hospital.

He was seated in the back seat with his window halfway down, with a video from the BBC showing Charles waving at people who had lined the often busy street between Clarence House and Buckingham Palace.

King Charles III is driven by car from Clarence House. Picture: PA via AP

King Charles had the window halfway down and waved to well wishers. Picture: PA via AP)

In a statement issued on Thursday night (Friday AEDT) the Palace said Charles had been admitted to the London Clinic, a private clinic in Marylebone in central London, earlier in the day.

“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,” the Palace said.

He has previously attended the London Clinic for treatment and he travelled to the hospital by car after experiencing side effects from his treatment.

King Charles III arrives for a visit to the 'Soil: The world at our feet' exhibition at Somerset House on March 26, 2025 in London, England. Picture: Getty Images

The King’s afternoon engagements were postponed and he has since returned to Clarence House with further events he was due to attend on Friday rescheduled due to his sudden health issues.

“As a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s (Friday’s) diary programme will also be rescheduled,” the Palace said.

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

On Friday the King had been due to attend four public events in Birmingham and it is hoped that these commitments will occur at a later date.

King Charles III greets a guest during a reception for a wide range of media organisations from across the country at Buckingham Palace on March 26 in London, England. Picture: Getty Images

The monarch is still due to visit Italy in April for a state visit which includes attending the Vatican – this follows the release of Pope Francis from hospital last weekend after he too has been battling ongoing health problems.

The King has visited the Holy See five times including his most recent visit in October 2019 for the Canonisation of English Cardinal John Henry Newman.

Sources have said the latest health scare is a “minor bump in the road”.

Despite the King’s latest health concerns his cancer treatment is moving in the right direction and on Thursday evening he was working on state papers and able to make calls from his study, sources said.

Buckingham Palace first announced that King Charles was being treated for an enlarged prostate on January 17 last year – the same day that Princess Kate underwent abdominal surgery.

The King has undertaken many official royal duties recently including earlier in the month when he appeared alongside Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate at the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

Originally published as King Charles spotted in public after hospital visit over cancer treatment side effects