King Charles ‘frustrated’ after first cancer treatment

As the world reacts with shock, sources close to the King have revealed how the monarch is coping with his cancer diagnosis behind closed doors.

King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis was revealed on Monday. Picture: Yoan Valat/Pool/AFP

King Charles is reportedly “on his usual good form in every way” following his first treatment for cancer, but is a “little frustrated” at the impact of his condition on those around him.

According to the UK’s Telegraph, the 75-year-old has returned to undertaking state duties from Clarence House, his London base, after revealing that he has cancer on Monday, local time.

The diagnosis came after he was admitted to hospital to treat an enlarged prostate, but it’s been confirmed by the Palace that it is not prostate cancer.

Charles was seen on Tuesday for the first time since revealing he has cancer. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

Charles has already begun a treatment schedule and will now focus on his recovery while maintaining a lighter work schedule from home.

“He’s on his usual good form in every way, just a little frustrated that his condition has affected not just his own plans but impacted on others,” a palace source told the publication, adding that he is in regular contact with his immediate family, including Prince William and Prince Harry, who has flown back to England to support him.

The King has also reportedly been urged to “slow down” amid his cancer battle, but is determined to continue working where possible.

“We are taking it very carefully and cautiously,” a source told the Telegraph of his upcoming schedule.

Another royal source shed light on Charles’ treatment, describing it as “precise and highly-specialised,” and confirming that the disease was spotted “at an early stage”.

“This isn’t a blitzkrieg, but a precision-guided missile,” the insider said of the medical strategy.

The King was pictured departing a London hospital after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate last week. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The new details come as William returned to work after taking time off to care for his wife, Kate, the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from recent abdominal surgery and resting at home until after Easter.

Queen Camilla has since been tasked with holding down the royal fort, undertaking a full program of engagements, including officially opening a branch of a UK cancer care centre just days ahead of Charles’ announcement.

It’s understood neither the King or Queen was aware of the diagnosis at the time, but were instead awaiting test results after the second medical issue was flagged by his doctors.

Buckingham Palace’s announcement on Monday, UK time, which prompted an outpouring of well-wishes from world leaders and communities around the globe, revealed that Charles remained in good spirits amid the devastating news.

“The King remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” the statement read.

“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.”