King Charles III’s reign has been marked by personal challenges, including the profound loss of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022 and his cancer diagnosis in early 2024.

Despite these difficulties, he has continued to carry out royal duties while undergoing treatment, which is expected to continue into 2025. While his planned state visits to the Holy See and Italy in April 2025 signal progress, some experts caution that significant obstacles remain for the Palace.

In February 2024, Charles publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in an effort to raise awareness. He expressed his gratitude, stating: “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.”

He continued: “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”

Charles also reflected on the broader impact of sharing his diagnosis: “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 UK and wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

Though the exact type of cancer has not been disclosed, sources report that his treatment has been progressing positively. Laura Lee, CEO of the cancer support charity Maggie’s, emphasized that cancer treatment often extends over long periods.

She told Sky News: “It’s very common for treatment to be ongoing for very long periods of time, as is the treatment that the Princess of Wales went through, which is an intense period of treatment over a year, and then it comes to a point where it’s on an end, and she’s on that recovery from some of the impacts of her treatment…”

In April 2025, Charles will embark on his first overseas visit as King, traveling to the Holy See and Italy alongside Queen Camilla. The visit includes a meeting with Pope Francis to mark the Catholic Holy Year, with the Palace highlighting that the trip will serve to “celebrate the strong bilateral relationship” between the two nations.