King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace has revealed. The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, but the palace stated that the King began “regular treatments” on Monday.
This diagnosis comes after the King’s recent treatment for an enlarged prostate, which is not prostate cancer. Despite the diagnosis, the King remains optimistic about his treatment and is looking forward to resuming his full public duties as soon as possible.
As a result of his diagnosis, the King will be postponing his public engagements, and it is expected that other senior royals will step in to cover for him during his treatment.
While the stage of the cancer and the prognosis have not been shared, the King, age 75, has commenced treatment as an outpatient in London after returning from Sandringham in Norfolk on Monday.
Despite taking a break from public events, the King will continue his constitutional role as head of state, which includes handling paperwork and private meetings. In the event that he is unable to carry out official duties, “counsellors of state” can be appointed to stand in for him.
The current counsellors of state include Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward. Notably, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew will no longer be called on for non-working royal duties.
Additionally, Prince William, who had temporarily withdrawn from public engagements to support his wife Catherine, is set to return to public duties later this week. The Duke of Sussex has also spoken with the King and plans to travel to the UK to see him in the coming days.
The King’s decision to go public about his prostate treatment was aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging more men to undergo prostate checks. His efforts have led to a surge in inquiries about prostate conditions on the NHS website.
According to UK figures, the likelihood of developing cancer increases with age, with more than a third of new cancer cases occurring in people aged 75 and over each year on average.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have both extended their well wishes to the King for a full and speedy recovery.
The news of the King’s cancer diagnosis comes after his public appearance at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, following a prostate procedure at a private London hospital over a week ago.
As the King begins his treatment, the royal family and the public continue to send their support and best wishes for his recovery.
