‘Side-effects’ of King Charles’ mystery cancer treatment has forced the monarch to cancel his arrangements under advice from his doctors, as last year speculation grew about his medicine choice
As King Charles cancels his engagements due to “side-effects” of his ongoing cancer treatment, questions remain unanswered as to what remedies he has opted for. Royal expert Tom Bower previously claimed the monarch would use “alternative medicines” instead of traditional chemotherapy.
“The King is a great fan and promoter of alternative medicine. He would not be one for chemotherapy and has always argued against it,” Mr Bower said back in February last year just after the King’s cancer diagnosis was announced. “He is a great believer in natural herbs and potions and things like that.
“He’s taking advice from Michael Dickson, who headed the King’s own alternative medicinal institute – discredited by many, but the King is a great believer in it. He does not believe in it (chemotherapy) which I think is a risk”.
In a shocking statement issued today, Buckingham Palace said the King has received medical advice to reschedule his planned engagements for Friday. The King was due to meet ambassadors in audiences at Buckingham Palace on Thursday afternoon, but these were postponed.
“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 statement 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.” It is understood the side effects, of which specifics have not been disclosed, were temporary and not uncommon with many medical treatments.
The King is said to be on good form at home in Clarence House where is working on state papers and making calls from his study. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “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.
“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.”
The King was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, but its exact form has remain undisclosed. Despite still receiving treatment, he returned to public duties in April last year.
Charles has had a busy run of engagements this week including a reception for media, a visit to a soil exhibition, and is due to make a historic state visit to Italy in just 10 days’ time.
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