The British monarch has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, which was discovered during his treatment for a benign prostate condition. The King has started regular treatments and remains positive about his recovery.
A separate issue of concern
King Charles III, who ascended the throne in 2022 after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. The palace did not disclose the type of cancer or the stage of the disease, but confirmed that it was not prostate cancer.
The King, 75, had been treated for benign prostate enlargement at a private London hospital more than a week ago. It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer, the palace said.
The King returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk on Monday morning and commenced treatment as an outpatient. He will not be able to undertake public duties for the immediate future, but will continue with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings.
Wholly positive about his treatment
Buckingham Palace said the King “remains wholly positive about his treatment” and “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”. The palace also said that no further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer.
The King informed both his sons personally about his diagnosis and Prince William was said to be in regular contact with his father. Prince Harry, who lives in the United States, spoke to his father and will be travelling to the UK to see him in the coming days.
The King had chosen to go public about his prostate treatment, with the aim of encouraging more men to get prostate checks, the palace said at the time. He was said to have been delighted to have raised awareness about the issue, with the NHS website reporting a surge in issues about prostate conditions.
Senior royals expected to stand in for him
The King’s public engagements will be postponed, with senior royals expected to stand in for him. There is a constitutional mechanism for when the head of state is unable to carry out official duties – in that circumstance “counsellors of state” can be appointed to stand in for the monarch.
At present that includes Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew no longer to be called on as non-working royals.
Prince William had also temporarily withdrawn from public engagements while he helped his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, as she recovered from “abdominal surgery”. But it was announced earlier on Monday he would return to public duties later this week.
Global reactions and support
The King’s cancer diagnosis has sparked global reactions and support from various leaders and celebrities. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished the King a “full and speedy recovery”, as did Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Sir Lyndsay Hoyle.
US President Joe Biden also expressed his “deep friendship” and “solidarity” with the King and the British people, and said he was “praying for his swift and complete recovery”. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also sent their messages of sympathy and support to the King and his family.
The King was seen at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, where he waved to crowds. He appeared to be in good spirits and health, despite his recent medical procedures. The King has been praised for his resilience and dedication to his role, as well as his environmental and charitable causes.
