Britain’s King Charles III. Buckingham Palace announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer and will be stepping back from public duties for treatment. Last month, he underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate, and further tests revealed a form of cancer. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” the palace said.
“Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business
and official paperwork as usual,” it added.
After spending three nights at the London Clinic for his recent procedure, King Charles III was reported to be “doing well.” It’s great to hear that he was seen in good spirits as he waved to the public on his way to a church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, accompanied by Queen Camilla. The royal source mentioned that the King returned from Sandringham on Monday morning to begin outpatient treatment in London.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure,” Buckingham Palace’s statement said. “He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” the palace concluded.
It’s unclear how the cancer was discovered while the King was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. According to CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner, when patients are admitted to the hospital, they often receive tests such as chest x-rays that could reveal additional health issues.
“It sounds like in the course of the routine evaluation part for his prostate surgery, they discovered something else was amiss,” Reiner said.
Charles became monarch on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022.
Prince William, next in line to the throne, will resume his public duties this week. He took time off to support his wife during her recovery from abdominal surgery. According to a source close to Prince Charles, William stays in regular contact with his father.
