Queen Camilla did not accompany the King during his brief hospital stay.

The side effects, though unspecified, are believed to be temporary and not uncommon with certain medical treatments. Despite this, the King remains in good spirits at Clarence House, where he continues to work on state papers and conduct calls from his study.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated: “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 be rescheduled in due course and offers his deepest apologies to all those who had worked so hard to make the planned visit possible.”

Despite the brief setback, it is understood that the King still intends to proceed with his historic state visit to Italy in ten days.

King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 but resumed public duties in April while continuing weekly treatment. This week, he has had a packed schedule, including attending a media reception and visiting a soil exhibition.