King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will suspend his public duties to undergo treatment.
Buckingham Palace announced the news on Monday night, a week after Charles, 75, was discharged from a London hospital following a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. The palace did not say exactly what form of cancer the sovereign had, but said the cancer was discovered during the procedure. The palace said in a statement:
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
According to palace officials, the king is undergoing outpatient treatment.
The palace said Charles, who is in generally good health, is “fully positive about his treatment and hopes to return to his public duties as soon as possible.”
The palace added that the king “has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope that it will help the public understand all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
Charles became king in September 2022 when his mother Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. News of the king’s diagnosis comes as his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, recovers from abdominal surgery that saw her hospitalised for about two weeks.
