King Charles Reveals He Lost Sense of Taste During Cancer Treatment 

King Charles made the revelation during a conversation with a British Army veteran.

During a royal visit alongside Prince William on Monday, King Charles III disclosed that he experienced a loss of taste while undergoing cancer treatment.

The revelation came during a conversation with British Army veteran Aaron Mapplebeck, who shared his own experience of undergoing nine weeks of intensive chemotherapy for testicular cancer last year. Mapplebeck mentioned his loss of taste during treatment, prompting the king to remark that he had encountered a similar effect.

Although King Charles did not elaborate on whether this loss of taste was temporary or not, it provided a rare glimpse into his health journey.

The king and and his son, Prince William, were together at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, where Prince William assumed the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The father and son were visibly delighted, sharing embraces and smiles during the symbolic handover.

King Charles III hands over the Army Air Corps light blue beret to Prince William, Prince of Wales as they stand in front of an Apache helicopter during the official handover in which King Charles III passes the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army air corps to Prince William, Prince of Wales at the Army Aviation Centre on May 13, 2024 in Stockbridge, Hampshire. - Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The 75-year-old monarch's visit to the Army Flying Museum continues his gradual return to public duties following his diagnosis. Initially stepping back to focus on his treatment and recovery, King Charles, alongside Queen Camilla, recently visited London's University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on April 30. During this outing, the royal couple interacted warmly with patients, medical staff, and well-wishers, with Charles being presented with a bouquet of flowers by a young supporter.

A significant announcement during the visit revealed that Charles would assume the role of patron for Cancer Research UK, succeeding, his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. This move underscores his commitment to raising awareness and support for cancer research and treatment, a cause that has become deeply personal to him.

Buckingham Palace previously shared that Charles plans to make "a number" of public events in the next few weeks. The royal couple also plans to host the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June. 

"As the first anniversary of the Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year," the palace shared in a statement. 

As for the state of the king's health, royal expert Katie Nicholl previously told ET that Charles' recent activities show that he is on the mend. 

"There have been claims in some media outlets that the king is not doing well in his cancer battle. I think the announcements out of the palace and... the king's imminent return to public duties should stop such nonsense in it's track, quite frankly," Nicholl said.

One month after Charles' news, his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, released a video message sharing that she too had been diagnosed with cancer and was seeking treatment. The mother of three has not had any public events since December. 

Kate spoke with Charles prior to the news of her own diagnosis going public. 

"The king had lunch with Catherine… in Windsor after she recorded [her video] message," Nicholl previously told ET. "That's quite special, I don't think you get to have many one-to-one audiences with the king. I think that's an indication of how close they are and certainly this shared experience, this shock double cancer diagnosis will only bring them closer."

Kate said the news of her cancer diagnosis came as a "huge shock" to the royal family. She explained that she and William endeavored to manage the situation privately for the sake of their young children -- Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 6. 

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