King Charles has cancer, Buckingham Palace says

London: King Charles III has begun treatment for cancer in London and will step back from his public duties following a shock health diagnosis just 17 months after he succeeded his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Buckingham Palace announced doctors had found a “form of cancer” discovered after the King, 75, underwent a procedure last month for a benign prostate enlargement. During his three-night stay in hospital doctors noticed a separate issue, undertook tests and Charles began “regular treatments” this week as an outpatient.

It is not known which type of cancer was discovered, but palace aides confirmed that it was not prostate cancer. He is unlikely to return to public life for several months but has indicated that he will continue his constitutional duties as head of state.

King Charles has been diagnosed with an unannounced form of cancer.Credit: Getty

World leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, joined in a public outpouring of well-wishes on Tuesday as the palace reassured the public, announcing Prince William – who is next in line – would return to duties on Wednesday.

The Prince of Wales had stepped back from his own public engagements last month to support his wife, Catherine, who is recovering from abdominal surgery. He previously said he would not return to official duties until her recovery was settled.

The palace said, at this stage, there would be no need for the King to rely on other members of the royal family to fulfil his duties as head of state, including attending to the red boxes, his weekly audiences with the prime minister and Privy Council meetings.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive to attend a Sunday church service in Sandringham on Sunday.Credit: PA

Charles was said to be optimistic about his treatment and grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention.

In a statement issued on Tuesday at 5am (AEDT), the palace said he remained “wholly positive” and looked forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”.

“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.”

“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 said.

Several British royal correspondents reported the cancer case was “not typical” and there were some uncertainties about secondary elements of his diagnosis and his ongoing treatment. The most common cancers among men aged over 75 in the UK are bladder, bowel, lung, melanoma skin cancer and prostate cancer, according to Cancer Research UK.

The King, who was photographed attending church with Queen Camilla at Sandringham on Sunday, reportedly had a chance to tell his sons William and Prince Harry and siblings Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward before the announcement.

The BBC reported the King had spoken to Harry, who lives in California with his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, about the diagnosis. Father and son have been estranged since Harry’s public criticism of the family, but he was reportedly travelling to the UK to see Charles.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was also informed, as were other world leaders from the Commonwealth realms and heads of the King’s charities. Sunak was “shocked and sad” to hear about the diagnosis but told the BBC “thankfully, this has been caught early”.

Albanese said all Australians would be sending their best wishes for the King’s speedy recovery.

“This is difficult news. And we hope for King Charles … and for all of their family, all of the very best,” he said. “We want to see his majesty return to full duties as soon as possible.”

The King had earlier chosen to go public about his prostate treatment with the aim of encouraging more men to get checks, the palace said at the time.

He was said to have been delighted to have raised awareness about the issue, with the NHS website reporting a surge in queries about prostate conditions.

Both Charles’ grandfather, George VI, and his great uncle Edward VIII – who was king for less than a year before abdicating – died from cancer.

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