King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said on February 5. Less than 18 months into his reign, the 75-year-old monarch will suspend public duties but will continue with state business, and won’t be handing over his constitutional roles as head of state.
The palace didn’t say what form of cancer the king has, but said it’s not related to the king’s recent treatment for a benign prostate condition.
The palace said “a separate issue of concern was noted” during King Charles’ treatment for an enlarged prostate last month, when he spent three nights in a London hospital.
“Diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” it said in a statement.
“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.”
The king is being treated as an outpatient, the palace said.
It said King Charles “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
The palace added that the king “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.”
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 hospitalized for about two weeks.
Kate is still taking a break from royal duties as she recovers. Her husband, Prince William, who is heir to the throne, also took time off to help look after the couple’s three children, but is due to preside over an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
The king’s other son, Prince Harry, who quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to California, is expected to fly to the U.K. in the coming days to see his father.
Leaders of several countries have wished King Charles III a “speedy recovery” after Buckingham Palace announced that the monarch was diagnosed with a form of cancer.
After the news about the monarch’s health was out, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished King Charles a “speedy recovery”.
Former Prime Ministers Liz Truss, Boris Johnson and Sir Tony Blair posted similar messages, with Johnson saying: “The whole country will be rooting for the King today.” Across the Atlantic, US President Joe Biden said he was “concerned” about King Charles and planned to call him later.
The U.S. president told reporters: “I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis.
“I’ll be talking to him, God willing,” he said.
U.S. former President Donald Trump called the King a “wonderful man, who I got to know well during my presidency”.
Writing on his Truth Social platform in all capital letters, he added: “We all pray that he has a fast and full recovery!” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “I like Canadians across the country and people around the world, I am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer.
“We’re sending him our very best wishes - and hoping for a fast and full recovery”.
In the U.K., messages poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders of all the main parties wishing the King a full recovery.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. “
King Charles departed from royal tradition with his openness about his prostate condition. For centuries Britain’s royal family remained tight-lipped about health matters.
When U.K. monarchs had real power, news of illness was withheld for fear it might weaken their authority. The habit of secrecy lingered after royals became constitutional figureheads.
The British public wasn’t told that King Charles’ grandfather, King George VI, had lung cancer before his death in February 1952 at the age of 56.
(With inputs from PTI)
