KING CHARLES III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, a statement from Buckingham Palace has recently confirmed. This comes just weeks after the palace publicly shared that he was due to undergo surgery to treat an enlarged prostate—although his diagnosis is not believed to be prostate cancer.
Here's everything we know so far about the 75-year-old monarch's condition, including breaking updates.
January 20: King Charles shares prostate health update
It was announced that King Charles would be canceling several of his engagements, including meeting with cabinet members and foreign dignitaries in Scotland, on medical grounds while he prepared to be admitted to hospital ahead of a prostate operation. Queen Camilla traveled to Scotland in the King's stead, and during a visit to a gallery stated that he is doing "fine," and "looking getting back to work" once he has recovered.
An official statement from Buckingham Palace explained that it was a "corrective procedure," and it is believed that the King wanted to publicly share the details of his diagnosis in order to raise awareness of how important it is for men to monitor their own prostate health and get symptoms checked—especially in later life.
"In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," the statement read. "His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
King Charles spent three nights recovering at The London Clinic and was discharged on Monday, January 29.
February 5: Buckingham Palace shares cancer diagnosis
A statement explains that an as-yet-undisclosed type of cancer was discovered during King Charles' prostate operation, saying: "It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer." No further details have been shared at this time, apart that he began "regular treatments" immediately.
Charles personally informed both of his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, of the diagnosis before making the public announcement went out. William had already withdrawn from public duties to support his wife, Princess Catherine of Wales, following her own abdominal surgery, and is said to be in regular contact with his father, and Harry is expected to travel to the UK from the US to visit Charles imminently.
King Charles was a patron of several cancer-related charities during his years as the Prince of Wales, and as was also the case with his prostate condition, is believed to have wanted to go public with his cancer diagnosis in order to help raise awareness. "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," says the palace.
Dr. Jay Verma, president of the Royal Society of Medicine, has praised King Charles for highlighting how "indiscriminate" cancer is, affecting families from all backgrounds, and encouraged members of the public to not be complacent when it comes to seeking out cancer screenings. "Please don't be shy," he said. "The more information we have the better to help - hopefully - rule out cancer or, if not, put you on the most suitable treatment pathway."
The palace affirms that King Charles "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."
February 6: World leaders share wishes for a speedy recovery
President Joe Biden tweeted in support of King Charles after the news broke, writing: "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."
The UK's prime minister, Rishi Sunak, released a statement the following morning saying he is thankful that the diagnosis was made early enough to enable proactive treatment. "Obviously, like everyone else, shocked and sad, and just all our thoughts are with him and his family," he said. "Thankfully, this has been caught early," he added, saying he hopes that King Charles "gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery."
"That's what we're all hoping and praying for, and I'm of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal," he said.
