King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, says Buckingham Palace.
The form of cancer has not been disclosed; it is not prostate cancer and was identified during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The King began “regular treatments” on Monday and would postpone public obligations during that time, according to the Palace.
The monarch, who is 75 years old, “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” according to the statement.
There is no more data about the cancer’s stage or prognosis.
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, who lives in the United States, spoke with his father and will travel to the United Kingdom to see him shortly.
The King returned to London from Sandringham, Norfolk, on Monday morning, and the palace announced that he had commenced outpatient rehabilitation.
Although he will halt public appearances, the King will continue to carry out his constitutional duties as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings.
It is expected that his weekly talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will continue in person, unless medics advise him to limit such interactions.
When the head of state is unable to perform official responsibilities, a constitutional process allows “counsellors of state” to be chosen to act in place of the king.
Currently, that comprises Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward. Prince Harry and the Duke of York are no longer needed because they are non-working royals.
Prince William had also briefly retreated from public appearances to assist his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, in recovering from stomach surgery performed last month.
However, it was reported earlier on Monday that he will return to public activities later this week.
On Sunday, the King attended a church service at Sandringham, where he waved to the audience and strolled for around ten minutes.
He underwent a prostate operation at a private London hospital over a week ago.
At the time, the Palace claimed that the therapy was for a “benign” ailment.
“It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer,” according to the report.
According to the Palace, the King opted to speak publicly about his cancer treatment since he was a patron of several cancer-related causes as Prince of Wales.
“In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones, and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them.”
He had also made a public statement about his prostate treatment in order to encourage more guys to be checked.
He was stated to be overjoyed to have raised awareness of the issue, with the NHS website noting an increase in inquiries concerning prostate diseases.
The Royal Society of Medicine hailed the King for emphasizing “how cancer is indiscriminate” and encouraged anyone eligible for cancer screenings to schedule an appointment.
“Please don’t be shy; the more information we have, the better we can help, hopefully, rule out cancer or, if not, put you on the most suitable treatment pathway,” the organization’s president, Dr. Jay Verma, said.
In the United Kingdom, one in every two people develops cancer at some point in their lives.
According to the NHS website, there are over 200 different forms of cancer, with the most frequent in the UK being breast, lung, prostate, and bowel.
Many forms of cancer are more likely to develop as people age. According to UK statistics, more than a third (36%) of new cancer cases are diagnosed in adults aged 75 and over.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle all wished the King a “full and speedy recovery.”.
US President Joe Biden expressed worry and indicated he would talk with the King.
In a subsequent post on X, he stated: “Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and surviving requires optimism and sheer courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying for His Majesty’s speedy and complete recovery.”
Mr. Biden’s 46-year-old son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2018, as did his longtime buddy, Republican Senator John McCain.
Charles ascended to the throne upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022 and was crowned the following May.
The King and Queen will visit Canada in May and Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.
The Palace has yet to clarify whether the excursions will take place, and there is no set schedule for the King’s return to full public responsibilities.
Buckingham Palace statement in full
