King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. The diagnosis was made during a recent hospital procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, when a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of cancer, which is not prostate cancer.
The 75-year-old monarch has commenced a schedule of regular outpatient treatments. He has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties for the immediate future, but will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual, including his constitutional role as head of state.
Buckingham Palace said the king “remains wholly positive about his treatment” and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. He personally informed his sons, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, as well as his three siblings, of his diagnosis. Prince Harry has spoken with his father and will travel to the UK in the coming days, travelling alone while Meghan remains in the US with their children.
The palace statement thanked the medical team for their swift intervention and expressed hope that sharing the diagnosis would assist public understanding for those affected by cancer worldwide. The king apologised for the postponement of forthcoming public engagements.
