His Majesty King Charles III at a reception in Buckingham Palace. Image credit: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Flickr
Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer.
A statement was released on Monday afternoon (local time) from Buckingham Palace.
A week ago, King Charles was scheduled for treatment for a benign prostate condition.
“A separate issue of concern has been noted,” the statement read.
“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
While the form of cancer has not yet been released, Buckingham Palace has assured it was not prostate cancer.
The 75-year-old monarch was only crowned King a year ago following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
This prognosis has come as a shock to many considering the previous monarch’s health, who made it to 96 years of age.
However, King Charles is hopeful considering his condition was caught at a very early stage.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” a statement from the palace read.
Despite this setback, King Charles will continue business as usual, including processing official paperwork and conducting weekly meetings.
The office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed, estranged son, Prince Harry would fly to the UK to see his father.
It is not confirmed if his wife, Meghan, will be joining him.
Prince William, who had taken time off work to look after his wife — who was recovering from abdominal surgery — had announced he was returning to work temporarily this week.
There may soon be pressure on him to return back full-time in light of the news of King Charles’ diagnosis.
Although it is understood there are no plans to appoint a counsellor of state, Prince William is first in line, following other working royals such as Queen Camilla, Anne, and Prince Edward.
The statement from Buckingham Palace continues: “The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
“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.
“He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
