The King has been seen in public for the first time since being hospitalised for side effects from his cancer treatment.
Charles cancelled an official visit to Birmingham on Friday after being hospitalised on Thursday following scheduled treatment.
Buckingham Palace said he experienced “temporary side effects” that required a “short period of observation in hospital”.
The 76-year-old smiled and waved at well-wishers as he left Clarence House in London in a car on Friday morning.
It is understood he is going to his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.
Charles was not joined by the Queen during his brief hospital stay.
It is understood the side effects, of which specifics have not been disclosed, were temporary and not uncommon with many medical treatments.
He then returned to Clarence House where he is said to be in good form and continuing to work on state papers and make phone calls from his study.
However, as a “precautionary measure” his diary programme for tomorrow has been rescheduled.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said on Thursday: “His Majesty was due to receive credentials from the ambassadors of three different nations this afternoon.
“Tomorrow, he was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham, and is greatly disappointed to be missing them on this occasion.
“He very much hopes that they can rescheduled in due course and offers his deepest apologies to all those who had worked so hard to make the planned visit possible.”
Sources stressed Thursday’s hospital visit was not a major development and no further updates are expected on the King’s health. Any minor alterations to his diary that may be required next week will be announced in due course.
Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and returned to public-facing duties in April despite still undergoing weekly treatment.
Since his diagnosis, the King’s diary of engagements is understood to have been developed in full consultation with his medical team at all stages to protect and prioritise his recovery.
He has had a busy run of engagements this week including a reception for the regional media industry, and a visit to a soil exhibition, and is due to make a historic state visit to Italy in just 10 days’ time.
It is understood his trip to Italy with the Queen in April is still set to go ahead.
The King was due to meet ambassadors in audiences at Buckingham Palace on Thursday afternoon, but these were postponed.
Meanwhile, the Queen visited the set of Trigger Point on Thursday to mark 70 years since the first broadcast on ITV.
Last week, His Majesty made a trip to Northern Ireland where he learnt about groundbreaking research into cancer therapies.
Charles visited Ulster University’s campus in Coleraine where he was told about new stimulus-responsive therapeutic technology that is being used to target tumours.
He was shown how the new technology uses microbubbles to deliver therapies through a microscope and spoke to cancer patients receiving treatment before unveiling a plaque.
Both the King and the Princess of Wales were treated for cancer last year. Kate is now in remission while Charles continues to have treatment.
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