King Charles’ cancer treatment is set to continue into the New Year, but progress is reportedly “very positive,” according to palace sources per PEOPLE. The 76-year-old monarch, who began treatment following his cancer diagnosis in early February, is expected to manage the condition through his one-year milestone. Aides have indicated that ongoing medical care will remain part of his routine.

The news was initially reported by Sky News, which included an interview with Dame Laura Lee, the chief executive of the cancer support charity Maggie’s.

“It’s very common for treatment to be ongoing for very long periods of time, as is the treatment that the Princess of Wales went through, which is an intense period of treatment over a year, and then it comes to a point where it’s on an end, and she’s on that recovery from some of the impacts of her treatment,” Lee said.

 

“So we’ve got immunotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy. There are all sorts of different treatment modalities. And so it’s not surprising at all,” she added

Charles was initially hospitalized in January for a planned procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. During his stay, an undisclosed form of cancer was detected, and his treatment began on February 5. He subsequently canceled all in-person engagements and resumed his public duties in April, starting with a visit to a cancer hospital in London alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.

As the year draws to a close, Charles is preparing to celebrate Christmas surrounded by many of his family members. Palace sources confirmed the news on Friday, Dec. 20.

This optimism is reflected in plans for a robust schedule of public engagements, similar to how he is concluding 2024. His schedule already includes trips across the U.K. and abroad for the coming year.

Charles was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history during his tenure as Prince of Wales. He ascended to the throne on September 8, 2022, following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

In January, Kate, the Princess of Wales, spent nearly two weeks in the hospital recovering from abdominal surgery. While initial tests showed no signs of cancer, subsequent examinations revealed the presence of cancer. She shared this news in a recorded video statement, marking her first public acknowledgment of her health challenges and addressing the mounting speculation surrounding her condition.

Prince William described 2024 as a “brutal” year, as both his wife and father announced their cancer diagnoses.

Charles and Camilla are set to complete their final major public engagement before Christmas on Friday, meeting with community volunteers, young people, emergency services, and faith representatives in Waltham Forest, East London.

Following this, they will travel to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, on England’s eastern coast, where they will host the Christmas festivities.