King Charles' little-known health condition that forces him to 'sleep apart' from Camilla

King Charles occasionally sleeps separately from Queen Camilla due to a little-known health condition that disrupts his breathing during the night, a royal author has revealed.

In his newly published book The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty, author Robert Jobson disclosed that the King battles "draining sleep apnoea."

The writer also revealed that the monarch now relies on a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to keep his airways open and prevent interruptions in breathing.

Sleep apnoea, a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, can cause severe fatigue, poor concentration, and other health complications if left untreated.

Charles's struggle with exhaustion was previously highlighted by Prince Harry in the 2018 BBC documentary Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70, when he revealed that his father would occasionally nod off at his desk with papers stuck to his face due to tiredness.

Mr Jobson also documented that the monarch now uses a CPAP machine to keep his airways open and prevent breathing disruptions.

"Charles's life and energy levels improved dramatically after he started using a CPAP machine, which was introduced to him by former US Vice President Al Gore during a visit to Highgrove, to treat the condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, causing fatigue and poor concentration," Mr Jobson wrote.

"He now swears by the device that delivers steady air pressure to keep airways open, preventing disruptions. Although it does mean that Charles and Camilla sometimes sleep apart."

Despite his health struggles, Charles has continued to maintain a packed schedule of engagements.

According to the book, King Charles often jokes with friends that he has reached a "worryingly decrepit stage" of life and describes it as a "conglomerated miasma" of turmoil and mayhem, though those around him recognise there is a serious concern beneath the humour.

Sleep apnoea is common among older adults and, if left untreated, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and daytime fatigue.

Charles's openness about the condition highlights a health issue that affects millions, while also showing how even a sovereign must sometimes make personal adjustments for the sake of their wellbeing.

King Charles's health has recently caused concern after it was revealed he was diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer in February 2024, beginning treatment shortly thereafter.

The King stepped back from public engagements in the weeks following the announcement but continued his constitutional duties as head of state, handling official documents and holding private audiences.

He resumed public engagements at the end of April 2025, visiting a cancer treatment centre with Camilla. The NHS advises that lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption, can sometimes help alleviate sleep apnoea.

For more information, visit the NHS website.

When approached by the Mirror for comment, Buckingham Palace declined to respond.