The King is expected to take on a broader programme of public engagements and overseas visits in the new year, following a reduction in his cancer treatment schedule.
Charles, 77, who disclosed his diagnosis in February last year, will continue to work to medical advice, but palace officials say the easing of his treatment marks an important moment in his recovery and will allow for a gradual expansion of his duties at home and abroad.
According to The Sun, His Majesty will visit the United States of America in the spring. The visit would include meetings with President Donald Trump and is expected to coincide with broader diplomatic events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Later in 2026, the King is due to travel to the Caribbean for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will be hosted by Antigua and Barbuda. The summit will bring together leaders from across the Commonwealth at a time when the organisation continues to navigate questions about its future direction.
His Majesty has long regarded the Commonwealth as central to his reign, and advisers believe his presence at the biennial gathering will underline his commitment to maintaining close ties with member states, despite the limitations imposed by his health.
In a recent televised message for Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer broadcast, the King spoke of the progress he has made, attributing it to early diagnosis, effective medical intervention and adherence to professional guidance. His words were framed not only as a personal update but as an appeal for greater public engagement with cancer screening programmes.
A palace spokesperson said the King had taken “great comfort and encouragement” from being able to continue working throughout his treatment, adding that maintaining public and state duties had played a significant role in sustaining his morale.
“His ability to uphold all of his State duties, and to continue with public engagements and overseas tours, has helped greatly with the positive mindset that, as many families will know, is such a vital part of the recovery journey,” the spokesperson said.
Despite his diagnosis, Charles has remained visible at key moments of national and diplomatic importance. Over the past year he has attended state visits, ceremonial occasions and, most recently, an Advent service at Westminster Abbey, where he offered a message of reflection and hope during the festive season.
While his travel this year was limited to a small number of short visits, palace sources say preparations are under way for a more outward-facing calendar in 2026. The King is expected to undertake a series of longer but less frequent overseas tours, a model designed to balance the demands of international diplomacy with the need to safeguard his health.
Although the King is not in remission and will continue to be closely supervised by his medical team, advisers believe the combination of early intervention, ongoing treatment and sustained public purpose has been central to his recovery.
Observers note that the King’s approach reflects a broader shift in how serious illness is managed at the highest level of public life: neither withdrawing entirely nor pressing on regardless, but striking a careful balance between constitutional duty and personal wellbeing.
As plans for the year ahead take shape, palace officials emphasised that the timetable remains adaptable. Engagements will proceed only where they align with medical advice, ensuring that the King’s return to a fuller role in national life is both sustainable and secure.
