London, ENGLAND – King Charles of England has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. The cancer was discovered during his treatment for an enlarged prostate, but the type of cancer has not been disclosed.
The 75-year-old King has started “regular treatments” and remains positive about his prognosis, according to the palace. As a result, he will be postponing his public appearances, with senior royals expected to take over his duties in the meantime. The King looks forward to resuming his full public duties as soon as possible.
Both of King Charles’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have been informed of their father’s diagnosis. Prince William has been in regular contact with the King, while Prince Harry, who resides in the United States, will be traveling to the UK to be by his father’s side.
The King, who returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk on Monday, will continue his treatments as an outpatient. Although he will be scaling back his public appearances, he will continue to fulfill his constitutional role as the head of state, including handling paperwork and private meetings.
In light of his diagnosis, a constitutional mechanism exists for when the head of state is unable to carry out official duties, with “counsellors of state” appointed to stand in for the monarch. The current list of counsellors of state includes Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, while Prince Harry and Prince Andrew will no longer be called on as non-working royals.
The King had previously undergone a prostate procedure at a private London hospital, choosing to go public about his treatment in an effort to raise awareness about prostate health. As a result, there was a reported surge in inquiries about prostate conditions on the NHS website.
Wishing the King a swift recovery, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and Commons Speaker Sir Lyndsay Hoyle all offered their well wishes. As the King embarks on his treatment journey, the entire country stands in solidarity with him, hoping for his full recovery.