Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and has started a course of treatment.
The 75-year-old monarch, who ascended to the throne in 2022 after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, has returned to London from his Sandringham estate to receive medical care.
The palace said in a statement on Monday evening: '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 palace did not disclose the type or stage of the cancer, but said it was not related to his previous surgery and was not prostate cancer.
The news comes as a shock to the nation and the world, as King Charles had appeared to be in good health and spirits in recent months. He had celebrated his first Christmas as King with his family at Sandringham, and had delivered a televised message of hope and unity amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
He had also been active in his role as head of state, hosting several foreign dignitaries and attending various events and engagements. He had recently visited Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to meet with the devolved governments and express his support for the union.
King Charles, who is the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, has been a vocal advocate for environmental and social causes, and has been praised for his modern and progressive approach to the monarchy.
He is expected to be supported by his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and his sons Prince William and Prince Harry, who have both expressed their love and admiration for their father in the past.
The palace said it would provide further updates on the King’s condition in due course, and asked for respect and privacy for the royal family at this difficult time.
