Buckingham Palace has disclosed that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, necessitating immediate treatment and prompting the suspension of his public duties.
The specific type of cancer remains undisclosed, though it has been clarified that it is not prostate cancer. The diagnosis came to light during medical care for a benign enlarged prostate, which the 75-year-old monarch was receiving at the London Clinic.
Despite the challenging news, Buckingham Palace emphasized that the king maintains a positive outlook regarding his treatment.
Commencing regular outpatient sessions on Monday, he remains committed to fulfilling his constitutional obligations as head of state, albeit with a temporary hiatus from public appearances. He will continue to engage in administrative duties, including paperwork, attending to his red boxes, and participating in private meetings.
The king has personally informed his immediate family, including his sons, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, as well as his siblings, the Princess Royal, Duke of Edinburgh, and Duke of York, about his cancer diagnosis.
Prince Harry, in particular, has had discussions with his father regarding the diagnosis and plans to travel to the UK to visit him in the coming days, confirmed by the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Meghan will remain in the US with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, it was revealed that the king’s cancer diagnosis was identified during a recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement. He has since commenced regular treatments and has been advised by doctors to temporarily suspend public-facing duties.
Despite this, the king will continue to fulfill his state responsibilities and official paperwork as usual.
Expressing gratitude to his medical team for their prompt action, the king maintains a positive outlook towards his treatment and eagerly anticipates returning to full public duty at the earliest opportunity.
By sharing his diagnosis, he aims to prevent speculation and hopes to contribute to public understanding for those affected by cancer worldwide.
The king returned to London from Sandringham on Monday morning to commence outpatient treatment. Plans for appointing counsellors of state, in case of incapacitation, are not currently underway. The list includes Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew excluded as non-working royals.
Charles is expected to remain available for Privy Council meetings, though adjustments will be made for in-person interactions based on medical advice. His last public appearance was at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, where he smiled and waved to wellwishers.
Expressing regret for the postponement of forthcoming engagements, a palace spokesperson conveyed the king’s apologies to those affected. Details regarding the rescheduling of his diary are still being finalized.
Meanwhile, Princess Catherine is recuperating at home after undergoing abdominal surgery, also at the London Clinic. Her medical condition remains private, though it’s confirmed to be non-cancerous. With both royals on hiatus, the monarchy faces challenges amidst the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Charles will resume public duties this week, conducting an investiture at Windsor Castle and attending a gala fundraising event for the London air ambulance. Wellwishers, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, extend their hopes for the king’s swift recovery.
Labour leader Keir Starmer extended his best wishes for the king’s recovery, emphasizing the party’s hope for his swift return to health. US President Joe Biden expressed concern and planned to call the king, drawing on his personal experience with cancer. Former President Donald Trump and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle echoed sentiments of support, highlighting the nation’s collective sympathy for the king and his family.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss joined in wishing the king a speedy recovery, emphasizing the nation’s solidarity. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford also conveyed their hopes for the king’s full and swift recovery, expressing solidarity and support during this challenging time.
Northern Ireland’s first minister, Michelle O’Neill, expressed her well wishes for a speedy recovery, emphasizing her concern and hopes for the king’s full health. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson echoed sentiments of support, offering prayers for the king’s recovery as he begins his treatment.
The king’s recent health concerns marked a departure from his typically robust health. Buckingham Palace’s unexpected announcement in January about his treatment for an enlarged prostate raised initial concerns, though it was clarified to be benign.
Despite the medical attention, Charles was discharged from the London Clinic on January 29, coinciding with Kate’s discharge. The queen, during a public engagement, assured well-wishers that Charles was in good spirits and eager to share his experience to encourage others to prioritize their health.
