King Charles Has Been Diagnosed With Cancer
Buckingham Palace did not disclose the type of cancer or stage, only saying it was not prostate cancer.
75-year-old King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace announced in a statement on Monday Feb. 5.
The palace did not specify the type of cancer- which was discovered during his treatment for an enlarged prostate in January – but said it is not prostate cancer.
The King has postponed public duties and started regular treatments on Monday, but will continue his daily duties including paperwork and holding weekly meetings with the prime minister.
“He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” the statement said.
“He 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,” it added.
King Charles also went public about his health problem as a way to raise people’s awareness and encourage men to a regular prostate checks, it said.
He has also shared the news personally with both his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Prince Harry, who lives in the US, has just arrived alone in the UK after King Charles informed both his sons personally about his diagnosis.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told BBC that he was “shocked and sad” but was relieved the King’s cancer was “caught early”.
King Charles assumed the throne in September 2022 after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 and was officially crowned in May 2023.
The two-hour coronation on Saturday May 6 was the UK’s first in 70 years.
