King Charles diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace reveals

The Monarch will cease all public duties as he begins treatment for the cancer detected after he underwent prostate surgery.

King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has begun treatment.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Buckingham Palace said a “separate issue of concern was noted” after he underwent a prostate operation last month.

Tests carried out have revealed “a form of cancer” - but not prostate cancer - the palace said.

The King has begun a schedule of regular treatments and postponed front line duties on doctors’ advice.

The serious health announcement comes just eight days after he was released from hospital following a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate.

A statement from Buckingham Palace: https://t.co/zmYuaWBKw6

📷 Samir Hussein pic.twitter.com/xypBLHHQJb

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 5, 2024

“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 King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

“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.”

Prince Harry has spoken with the King and will travel to the UK to see him imminently, the UK Telegraph reports. King Charles spoke to both his sons and informed them personally of his diagnosis, UK media reports.

All of the King’s siblings, Princess Anne and Princes Andrew and Edward, were also notified personally by Charles.

Counsellors of State, who are appointed to stand in for the monarch if he is incapacitated, are not expected to be called upon, the UK Telegraph reports.

Britain’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has wished the King a “full and speedy recovery,” saying in a post on X, formerly Twitter, the entire country was wishing the Monarch well.

Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.

I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. https://t.co/W4qe806gmv

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 5, 2024

Charles, 75, announced on January 17, that he had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and was set to go to hospital. The palace said his condition was “benign” and he would undergo “a corrective procedure”.

Last week Queen Camilla travelled around the country for a series of engagements, which aides said had been planned before Christmas.

Britain’s Prince William will return to royal duty this week after taking time off following his wife’s abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace said on Monday.

William, 41, and heir to the throne, postponed public engagements to care for his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales and their three children after she was admitted to hospital on January 16.

William will conduct an investiture at Windsor Castle on Wednesday and attend the London Air Ambulance annual fundraising gala in central London on Wednesday evening, the palace said.

Britain’s royal family had a double health scare in January when it was announced that Charles would be treated for an enlarged prostate and the Princess of Wales was recuperating from abdominal surgery.

The King left hospital three days after his surgery and just hours after Kensington Palace announced that the 42-year-old princess had also left the clinic after undergoing surgery.

More to come