King Charles‘ younger sister Princess Anne has long been considered the ‘hardest-working royal’, but that doesn’t take away from the monarch’s packed schedule.
The Princess Royal continues to reign supreme in 2026, racking up a whopping 183 days of engagements, according to figures compiled by the Press Association from the Court Circular. She was followed by the Duchess of Edinburgh, who has stepped up her royal schedule from 130 days in 2025 to 147 days this year – a trajectory which is only set to continue following her two-day visit to Cumbria.
After marking four years since his late mother Queen Elizabeth’s death on 8 September, King Charles has had a particularly busy year, with 164 days of scheduled engagements – 49 more than his son and heir Prince William. While it was a slight decline from the 176 recorded in 2025, it remained higher than his first and second year on the throne.
This is particularly notable considering the 77-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024. Despite his ongoing treatment, Charles explained in December 2025 that he was scaling back his cancer treatment, which has helped ensure his health has not impacted his royal role in 2026.
King Charles has maintained a packed schedule across the UK and abroad while continuing his medical care, travelling everywhere from the Eden Project in Cornwall to the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.
His high-profile calendar has proven equally ambitious internationally, encompassing a state visit to the United States in April followed by a tour of Bermuda in May.
King Charles has led a ‘full and active life’ in 2026
In a personal pre-recorded video message in support of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, filmed at Clarence House, Charles opened up about his health.
© Getty ImagesHe announced at the end of last year: “Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the fifty per cent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”
A palace spokesperson added: “The King has taken great comfort and encouragement from being able to continue leading a full and active life throughout his treatment, while always heeding the advice of his medical team.
“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.”
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