Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer. The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, except that it is not prostate cancer.
The diagnosis was made during the King’s recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The 75-year-old monarch has begun “regular treatments” as of Monday and will be stepping back from public duties temporarily. Despite the health setback, King Charles III remains optimistic about his treatment and is eager to resume full public duties as soon as possible, according to the Palace statement.
Details about the stage of cancer or a prognosis have not been shared with the public. The King personally informed both of his sons about the diagnosis, and the Prince of Wales is reportedly in regular contact with his father. Prince Harry, currently residing in the United States, is set to travel to the UK in the coming days to be with his father.
The King, who returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk on Monday morning, will continue his treatment as an outpatient. While public events are on hold, he will maintain his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings.
The announcement also emphasized that the King’s weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will proceed, potentially in person, unless advised otherwise by medical professionals. The constitutional mechanism allows for the appointment of “counsellors of state” in the event the head of state is unable to fulfill official duties. At present, this includes Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward.
The news of King Charles III’s health comes at a time when Prince William, who had temporarily withdrawn from public engagements to support his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is set to return to public duties later this week. The royal family faces a challenging period as they rally around the King during his treatment.
