King Charles has offered a deeply personal update on his health as he resumed royal duties on Tuesday (September 3) following his annual summer retreat at Balmoral, Scotland.

The 76-year-old monarch travelled to the West Midlands to officially open the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, where he spoke candidly about his ongoing cancer treatment.

During a conversation with fellow patient Matthew Shinda, Charles admitted that “bits don’t work so well once you get past 70,” a remark that drew both laughter and sympathy.

The King’s diagnosis was first confirmed in February, although Buckingham Palace has never disclosed the specific type of cancer. Palace insiders have said that decision was deliberate, with a source telling The Times earlier this year: “The King’s decision not to reveal the type of cancer was a conscious choice to be able to reach out to the widest number of people who are experiencing the disease, rather than narrow the focus onto a particular form of cancer.”

Public appearance and health reflections

Photographs of Charles at the hospital visit were shared on the Royal Family’s official Instagram account, where well-wishers quickly praised the monarch’s appearance.