Shock as Princess Catherine joins King Charles and Sarah Ferguson in being treated for cancer

Three members of the royal family are being treated for cancer in what is an unprecedented health challenge for the most famous family in the world.

Like millions of families around the world, the royals aren’t immune to the scourge of cancer.

It’s not uncommon for many members of a family to be struck down by the disease – but having three relatives suffering at the same time would be traumatic for anyone.

For the royal family, it is unprecedented.

King Charles’ diagnosis of cancer earlier this year came as a huge shock, soon after he revealed he was being treated for an enlarged prostate.

It followed news his former sister-in-law Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was being treated for melanoma.

And of course there were persistent rumours Queen Elizabeth was battling a form of cancer in her final months, although her cause of death in September 2022 was officially listed as old age.

Catherine, The Princess of Wales, announced that she is receiving a preventive course of chemotherapy for cancer and is the third member of the royal family suffering from cancer. Picture: Getty

Now Catherine, the Princess of Wales – one of their hardest working and popular members – is facing her own cancer threat.

Few details are known about any of the cancers or treatments the royals are receiving or their prognosis.

King Charles’ type of cancer has not been revealed – the only details released by Buckingham Palace was to say it was not prostate cancer, but was discovered during his recent treatment for the enlarged prostate.

He began “regular treatments” and postponed his public duties during it, although carried on other his other official roles in public and behind closed doors on other days.

King Charles has continued some duties while he has treatment for his cancer. Picture: Getty

The Monarch, 75, “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” the initial palace statement said.

He has since been photographed being driven to engagements – and invited cameras to record one of his regular meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak – with observers noting he appeared tired and weary.

His public statements about his prostate condition and then cancer battle, caused a massive spike in British people being checked for cancer.

The Royal Society of Medicine thanked the King for highlighting “how cancer is indiscriminate” and urged members of the public eligible for cancer screenings to make an appointment.

“Please don’t be shy – the more information we have the better to help, hopefully rule out cancer, or, if not, put you on the most suitable treatment pathway,” Dr Jay Verma of the Royal Society of Medicine said.

Sarah Ferguson, affectionately known as Fergie, dropped a bombshell last June when she said she had a mastectomy.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, had breast cancer and is now being treated for melanoma. Picture: Mark Stewart

“The Duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good,” a representative said.

“She is now recuperating with her family. The Duchess wants to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days.”

Then she confirmed she was being treated for unrelated malignant melanoma that was detected when a dermatologist removed moles while she was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy.

“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages,” her spokesman said.

“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the Duchess remains in good spirits.”

After Princess Catherine’s devastating news, the world now anxiously waits for treatment updates for a third member of the most famous family in the world.