King returns to public duties after hospital visit

King Charles will return to public engagements this week, after side effects from his cancer treatment caused him to cancel an event last Friday.

The King rested at Highgrove, his estate in Gloucestershire, over the weekend and will get back to official duties in the coming days, including an audience with the prime minister and investitures at Windsor Castle.

While some unspecified appointments have been rescheduled, the King and Queen Camilla's state visit to Italy next week will go ahead.

The King spent a short period of time in hospital in London last Thursday after suffering "temporary side effects" from his cancer treatment, with a visit to Birmingham having to be postponed.

This latest update on the King's health sends a positive message, after what was described as a "bump in the road" last week.

The King, 76, has been receiving cancer treatment since his diagnosis more than a year ago, but he has been well enough to keep up his public visits and official engagements.

While the King has made his treatment public, the Palace has not disclosed further details about his diagnosis.

He chose to share the news to prevent speculation and "assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer".

Next week will see the King undertaking a state visit to Italy, where he will be attending a series of public and diplomatic events in Rome and Ravenna.

The King had been scheduled to meet Pope Francis during the trip, but that has been cancelled due to the pontiff's ill-health.

The Italy visit coincides with the King and Queen's 20th wedding anniversary.