King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, according to Buckingham Palace.
The diagnosis was not related to prostate cancer but was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Although the type of cancer has not been disclosed, the palace stated that the King commenced “regular treatments” on Monday and remains optimistic about his treatment. As a result, he will postpone public engagements, with senior royals expected to stand in for him.
The palace revealed that the King, 75, began “regular treatments” on Monday for the diagnosed cancer, expressing his positive outlook on the treatment.
While he will temporarily halt public events, the King will continue with his constitutional role as the head of state, managing paperwork and private meetings.
There is an established constitutional mechanism for situations where the head of state is unable to fulfill official duties, allowing “counsellors of state” to be appointed.
Currently, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward fulfill this role, with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew no longer serving as non-working royals.
The type and stage of cancer, as well as any prognosis, have not been disclosed. The King personally informed both of his sons about the diagnosis, with Prince William staying in regular contact with his father.
Prince Harry, residing in the United States, also spoke to his father and is expected to travel to the UK in the coming days to visit him. Despite the diagnosis, the King’s constitutional responsibilities will be maintained.
The King had undergone a prostate procedure at a private London hospital more than a week ago, making the details public to encourage more men to undergo prostate checks.
He expressed satisfaction at raising awareness about prostate health, leading to increased inquiries on the NHS website.
The King was seen waving to crowds at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday. Buckingham Palace stated that he returned to London from Sandringham on Monday morning and commenced outpatient treatment.
As the King undergoes treatment, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and Commons Speaker Sir Lyndsay Hoyle have all wished him a “full and speedy recovery.” Prince William, who had temporarily withdrawn from public engagements to support his wife Catherine’s recovery from abdominal surgery, is set to return to public duties later this week. The constitutional arrangements will ensure the continuity of the monarchy’s functions during this period.