King Charles diagnosed with cancer

King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace said on Monday.

The King was hospitalised last month to receive treatment for benign prostate enlargement during which “a separate issue of concern was noted”.

“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” Buckingham Palace added. The palace did not specify the form of cancer.

King Charles acceded to the throne in September 2022 at the age of 73 after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. He had been heir apparent for a record 70 years.

Buckingham Palace said he would step back from public-facing duties while he was receiving regular treatment for cancer. The treatments began on Monday, the palace said, but he would continue to undertake state business and official paperwork “as usual”.

He “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”, the palace continued.

The King had 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”, the palace added.

In a message on X, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.”

Sunak added: “I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also wished the monarch a speedy recovery.

“On behalf of the Labour party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health,” he said.

Heir to the throne, Prince William has also been absent from public engagements in recent weeks as he tends to his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from surgery.

The King’s other son, Prince Harry — who emigrated in 2020 with his US wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and stepped back from royal duties — would be travelling back to see his father in the coming days, a friend told the Press Association.

“The Duke [of Sussex] did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be travelling to the UK to see His Majesty in the coming days,” said the person close to Harry.