Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has initiated treatment. Despite being less than 18 months into his reign, King Charles will temporarily suspend certain public duties but will continue to manage state affairs, retaining his constitutional roles as head of state.
Importantly, the palace clarified that this cancer diagnosis is unrelated to the recent treatment King Charles received for a benign prostate condition. However, the exact nature of the cancer affecting the 75-year-old monarch has not been disclosed.
During his treatment for an enlarged prostate last month, a separate medical concern was identified, leading to the diagnosis of cancer. The palace issued a statement confirming the diagnosis, stating that “diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.” As a result of this diagnosis, doctors have advised the king to postpone public-facing duties while he embarks on a schedule of regular treatments.
Throughout this period, King Charles will continue to fulfill his responsibilities for state business and official paperwork as usual. Notably, he is receiving outpatient treatment.
Despite this challenging diagnosis, King Charles remains optimistic about his treatment and eagerly anticipates returning to full public duty as soon as possible. The decision to share his diagnosis with the public is intended to prevent speculation and contribute to a better understanding of cancer, offering support to those worldwide who are affected by this disease.
King Charles ascended to the throne in September 2022 following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96. His cancer diagnosis coincides with the ongoing recovery of his daughter-in-law, Kate, Princess of Wales, who recently underwent abdominal surgery and spent approximately two weeks in the hospital.
Leaders of the United Kingdom’s political landscape have conveyed messages of support to King Charles. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his well-wishes, confidently predicting a full and speedy recovery for the monarch, with the entire nation sharing these sentiments.
King Charles’s decision to openly discuss his prostate condition marks a departure from royal tradition. Historically, the British royal family has maintained privacy regarding health matters, a tradition that persisted even after their transition into constitutional figureheads. This secrecy was upheld to avoid any perception of diminishing royal authority.
Notably, the British public was not informed about King George VI’s lung cancer diagnosis before his passing in February 1952 at the age of 56, during a period when U.K. monarchs held substantial power.
