Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. The specific type has not been disclosed, but it is not prostate cancer; it was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The King, aged 75, began regular treatments on Monday and will postpone public duties during this period. The Palace stated that he 'remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.' No further details on the stage or prognosis have been shared.
King Charles personally informed both his sons. The Prince of Wales is in regular contact with his father, while the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, who lives in the US, will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days. The King returned to London from Sandringham and is being treated as an outpatient.
Despite pausing public events, the King will continue his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings. His weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will continue in person unless doctors advise otherwise. Counsellors of state, including Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward, can be appointed if needed.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished the King a 'full and speedy recovery,' echoed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. US President Joe Biden expressed concern and said he would speak to the King, adding that 'navigating a cancer diagnosis takes hope and absolute courage.'
