5 Things King Charles Had to Give Up After His Cancer Diagnosis

King Charles has done his best to keep life as normal as possible since revealing his cancer diagnosis, but a few things have inevitably changed along the way. From tweaking his eating habits to cutting back on his busy schedule and putting some favorite trips on hold, the monarch has had to make a few lifestyle changes while focusing on his recovery. Here's a look at five things Charles has given up or scaled back since his diagnosis.

Charles has always enjoyed keeping active, with skiing and fishing among his favorite pastimes. But in recent years, those more physically demanding hobbies have taken a back seat. He has not returned to his annual ski trip to Switzerland after revealing his cancer diagnosis. He first stopped his visit to Klosters in 2023 to avoid any injuries before his coronation. Subsequently, the next year his planned trip was cancelled owing to his diagnosis.

Horse riding also became a thing of the past. During an engagement, Charles admitted, "I can't do much now, too many injuries," before adding, "I used to sit on a horse." Years of playing polo had already taken a toll on his body, and with the King continuing cancer treatment, getting back in the saddle doesn't appear to be on the cards. Horse riding has always been a big part of Charles' life, so the change at Trooping the Colour did not go unnoticed. After riding on horseback during the 2023 parade, the King swapped the saddle for an Ascot Landau carriage in 2024 and again in 2025 as he continued cancer treatment. It meant he could still take part in one of the royal family's biggest events, just in a way that was a little easier on his recovery.

Charles has never been one to slow down. Long before he became King, aides and royal biographers described him as someone who regularly worked 14-hour days, often reading state papers late into the night. His cancer diagnosis naturally forced him to ease off that pace. He stepped back from public engagements while undergoing treatment, but never completely switched off. Now, his schedule is planned around treatment, though he is still carrying out more royal engagements than most royals.

Investitures are one of the King's most hands-on duties, with recipients greeted one by one during ceremonies that can keep the monarch on his feet for quite some time. After Charles began cancer treatment, he stepped back from hosting them, with Prince William and Princess Anne taking over several ceremonies instead. It wasn't a permanent change, though. The King was back presenting honors himself, easing into the role as he gradually returned to public duties.

Royal walkabouts have looked a little different since Charles began cancer treatment. While he has returned to greeting well-wishers, his public appearances are now more carefully paced than before, with Palace aides planning his diary to keep them shorter. 2025 saw the King rarely stopping for selfies or handshakes with the crowd to reduce walkabout time. The King has also put some of his more physically demanding holidays, including his regular trips to Romania, on hold as he focuses on his health.