Charles ascended the throne last May after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned until her death at the age of 96. (Photo: Aaron Chown/Pool via Getty Images)
Eko Hot Blog reports that Buckingham Palace has announced that Britain’s King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
The palace made the revelation in a statement Monday evening.
The monarch went through 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,” the Palace said on Monday.
King Charles III (Photo: BBC)
The type of cancer has not been revealed but it is not prostate cancer, according to the palace.
The King began “regular treatments” on Monday and will postpone public duties during the treatment, the Palace said.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the statement reads.
“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.
“Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
“He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“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.”
No further details are being shared on the stage of cancer or a prognosis.
According to the BBC, the King informed both his sons personally about his diagnosis and the Prince of Wales was said to be in regular contact with his father.
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, who lives in the United States, spoke to his father and will be travelling to the UK to see him in the coming days.
The King returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk on Monday morning and the palace says he has commenced treatment as an outpatient.
Although he will pause his public events, the King will continue with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings.
There is a constitutional mechanism for when the head of state is unable to carry out official duties – in that circumstance “counsellors of state” can be appointed to stand in for the monarch.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla and other family members arrive at Christmas Day services last year at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Photo: Kin Cheung / AP)
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 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”.
But it was announced earlier on Monday he would return to public duties later this week.
The King was seen at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, where he waved to crowds.
The British monarch reportedly chose to go public about his prostate treatment, with the aim of encouraging more men to get prostate checks.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished the King a “full and speedy recovery”, as did Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Sir Lyndsay Hoyle.
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