King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and began treatment on Monday, Buckingham Palace has announced. The cancer was detected during the King's recent hospital treatment for a benign enlarged prostate, where a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequent diagnostic tests identified a form of cancer. The palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer.
The 75-year-old monarch has been advised to postpone public duties but will continue to undertake state duties, including weekly meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in person, unless doctors advise otherwise. He is being treated as an outpatient and was at home in London on Monday night. Prince Harry has spoken to his father and will travel to the UK from the US in the coming days.
Julian Payne, the King's former communications secretary, said the palace is "nothing if not excellent at preparation" and that while the diagnosis is an unwelcome surprise, it will not require a significant structural change. Payne noted that the King will be "deeply frustrated" at having to step back from public engagements, as he greatly enjoys meeting people. He also predicted the King would use his diagnosis to raise awareness, similar to how his prostate treatment led to a surge in NHS inquiries.
UK front pages on Tuesday were dominated by the news, with headlines ranging from "King: I have cancer" in The Sun to "abandons royal protocol" in The i. Republic, a campaign group advocating for the abolition of the monarchy, issued a statement expressing sympathy and wishing the King a speedy recovery. US President Joe Biden also offered support, noting his personal experience with cancer after losing his son Beau.
