Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, discovered during recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. While the type of cancer has not been disclosed, the Palace stated that it is not prostate cancer. The Monarch, aged 75, has commenced “regular treatments” and will temporarily defer public duties during this period.
The Palace assured that King Charles maintains a positive outlook towards his treatment and anticipates resuming full public duty as soon as possible. The King has chosen to keep details regarding the stage of cancer or prognosis private. Both of his sons, the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, have been informed about the diagnosis, with Prince Harry planning to travel to the UK to visit his father in the upcoming days.
Despite his treatment, King Charles will continue to fulfill his constitutional role as head of state, focusing on paperwork and private meetings. Notably, his weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are set to continue unless advised otherwise by medical professionals. In the event that the King is unable to carry out official duties, a constitutional mechanism allows for the appointment of “counsellors of state” to stand in for him.
The Palace emphasized King Charles’s dedication to raising awareness about cancer-related issues, as evidenced by his past patronage of cancer charities. His decision to disclose his cancer treatment aligns with his commitment to supporting cancer patients and healthcare professionals. Messages of support and wishes for a speedy recovery have been conveyed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and US President Joe Biden, among others.
The King’s upcoming engagements, including visits to Canada in May and to Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, are currently under review. The Palace has not provided a timeline for King Charles’s return to full public duties, pending further updates on his health condition.
