King has been diagnosed with cancer.
King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, says Buckingham Palace.
The nature of the cancer is unknown; however, it was found during his most recent treatment for an enlarged prostate and is not prostate cancer.
According to the Palace, the King started “regular treatments” on Monday and would abstain from public obligations during that time.
The 75-year-old Monarch “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” said the statement.
The prognosis and cancer stage are not being disclosed further.
The Prince of Wales was reported to keep in regular communication with his father, and Charles personally told both of his sons of his diagnosis.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who resides in the United States, had a conversation with his father and will soon be visiting the United Kingdom.
The King arrived back in London on Monday morning from Sandringham in Norfolk, and according to the palace, he has begun outpatient therapy.
The King will continue to carry out his constitutional duties as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings, even if he will be suspending his public appearances.
Unless his doctors tell him to reduce such interaction, it is expected that he would continue to hold in-person weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
When the head of state is unable to perform official duties, “counsellors of state” may be appointed to act in the monarch’s place according to a constitutional system.
At present that includes Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward. Prince Harry and the Duke of York are no longer called upon as they are non-working royals.
Prince William had also temporarily withdrawn from public engagements while he helped his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, as she recovered from abdominal surgery she had last month.
The King was seen at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, where he waved to crowds and walked for about 10 minutes.
He had a prostate procedure at a private London hospital more than a week ago.
At the time, the Palace said the treatment was for a “benign” condition.
“It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer,” it said on Monday.
The King chose to go public about his cancer treatment, the Palace said, as he had been a patron of a number of cancer-related charities when he was Prince of Wales.
“In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them.”
He had also gone public about his prostate treatment, with the aim of encouraging more men to get prostate checks.
He was said to have been delighted to have raised awareness about the issue, with the NHS website reporting a surge in issues about prostate conditions.
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,” said Dr Jay Verma, president of the general practice with primary healthcare section of the Royal Society of Medicine
One in two people in the UK develop some kind of cancer during their lifetime.
There are more than 200 types of cancer – the most common ones in the UK are breast, lung, prostate and bowel, according to the NHS website.
For many types of cancer, the chance of getting it increases with age. UK figures suggest, on average each year, more than a third (36%) of new cancer cases were in people aged 75 and over.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished the King a “full and speedy recovery”, as did Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
US President Joe Biden expressed his concern and said he would speak to the King.
In a post on X, he later said: “Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.”
Mr Biden’s son, Beau, died of brain cancer aged 46, and his long-time friend, Republican Senator John McCain, also died of cancer in 2018.
Charles acceded to the throne on the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, and his coronation took place the following May.
The King and Queen are scheduled to visit Canada in May, and Australia, New Zealand and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.
The Palace has yet to confirm whether the tours will go ahead, with no date suggested for the King’s return to full public duties.
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