King Charles III Diagnosed with Cancer and Postpones Public Duties
Palace officials announced they will not provide regular updates on the king’s health. They also asked reporters not to contact those involved in his treatment (Mike Marrah/Unsplash).
Buckingham Palace did not announce what kind of cancer the king has, but he remains optimistic about his treatment.
Article by Skylar Musick, Senior News Producer
LONDON - King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has undergone treatment, Buckingham Palace announced Monday.
The announcement came a week after the 75-year-old monarch was discharged from a London hospital after a procedure to treat his prostate. Although the palace did not share what kind of cancer the king has, it said his diagnosis is unrelated to his prostate condition.
“During the king’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the palace said in a statement. “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.”
Despite suspending his public engagements, the king will continue with state business during treatment. Palace officials said he will be treated as an outpatient.
The palace added that Queen Camilla will continue to carry out a full program of official engagements during her husband’s treatment.
Since King Charles came to the throne in September 2022 after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, he has generally been in good health.
According to the palace, the king “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
The monarch’s disclosure of the prostate treatment and his cancer diagnosis is untraditional for the royal family, who often reveals little about its members’ health.
However, the palace said King Charles “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.”
News of the king’s diagnosis came after his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate of Wales, underwent abdominal surgery that saw her hospitalized for about two weeks. The princess remains on a break from royal duties as she recovers.
King Charles called both his sons, Prince William of Wales and Prince Harry, to share the news of his health. Harry, who quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to California with his wife, Meghan, will travel to the UK to see his father in the coming days.
Political leaders around the world sent the king messages of support.
President Joe Biden said he is “concerned” about the king and hopes to speak with him soon.
“Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery,” UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted. “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.”
Palace officials announced they will not provide regular updates on the king’s health. They also asked reporters not to contact those involved in his treatment.