The king received a diagnosis of cancer after a recent procedure for an enlarged prostate, although his cancer type has not yet been disclosed.
King Charles III, 75, has received a diagnosis of an undisclosed form of cancer, according to an official statement from Buckingham Palace.
After a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate, doctors noted a different issue of concern, and diagnostic testing confirmed that he has cancer. Buckingham Palace noted that the king does not have prostate cancer and has not yet disclosed the cancer type or stage.
The statement from Buckingham Palace stated that the king received regular treatments on Feb. 2 and has been advised by his doctors to postpone any “public-facing duties.”
King Charles expressed gratitude towards his medical team for intervening quickly, as he had already been in the hospital for the procedure regarding his enlarged prostate. Thus far, he has been positive about his treatment and is looking forward to returning to his duties as soon as possible, according to the Palace’s statement.
“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 Buckingham Palace statement said.
The king personally informed his siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, as well as his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, according to People.com. It has been noted that Prince William is in close contact with the king.
Prince Harry also plans to leave the U.S. to visit his father in the U.K., according to the Guardian.
“The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to (the) UK to see His Majesty in the coming days,” a source close to Harry said.
The prime minister of England, Rishi Sunak, said that he wishes the king “a full and speedy recovery,” on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“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,” Sunak wrote in the same tweet.
The king was admitted to the hospital at The London Clinic on Jan. 26 and was discharged on Jan. 29, but received treatment in an outpatient setting, according to People.com. He began his outpatient care at Sandringham Palace in Norfolk and returned to London on Feb. 2.
Traditionally, the members of the monarchy have kept their health and personal lives private, although the king has chosen to be open about his procedure for his enlarged prostate to encourage other men to schedule exams, the BBC reported.
King Charles III was formally known as The Prince of Wales and was formally coronated in May 2023, several months after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died on Sept. 8, 2022.
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