King Charles Postpones Several Upcoming Engagements Just Weeks After Returning to Royal Duties Amid His Cancer Battle

King Charles

Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday, May 22 that King Charles and the rest of the royal family will be postponing multiple upcoming engagements.

The news comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a general election to occur on July 4, 2024—which came as a surprise to much of the country—as the royals don't want to "divert attention or distract from the election campaign."

In a statement from the king and queen published by Sky News, the two issued "their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result," but pointed out that the move does come "in accordance with normal procedure."

It was just a few weeks ago that the monarch returned to his royal duties after taking a hiatus at the beginning of his cancer treatment, but now, according to the publication's royal correspondent Laura Bundock, the schedule that he had carefully put in place "is now being assessed and reviewed," with multiple changes expected to come, though most have yet to be confirmed.

Related: King Charles' Guard Horse Bites Woman Posing for Photo in Viral Video

Just a few of the upcoming events currently on the docket include hosting the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June, Trooping the Colour—which Kate Middleton was originally expected to attend—and, of course, Buckingham Palace's classic garden parties.

However, one event expected to proceed as planned is the couple's appearance for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Prince William appears to be the first royal affected by the change, with Hello reporting that he had been scheduled to take a trip on Thursday, May 23, which was canceled at the last minute as a result of the palace's updated guidance. "We look forward to rescheduling in the future," Kensington Palace told the publication, "and are extremely sorry to anyone who has already travelled."

It wasn't immediately clear where the Prince of Wales was meant to be heading.

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