King Charles III Diagnosed with Cancer: Monarch, 75, Postpones Public Duties for Immediate Treatment
Buckingham Palace announced this evening that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, prompting the 75-year-old monarch to postpone public duties and return to London for immediate treatment. The diagnosis was made during a recent medical procedure for an enlarged prostate, unrelated to the surgery itself.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace revealed that the specific form of cancer is unrelated to the recent surgery, dispelling concerns of prostate cancer. King Charles has begun a schedule of regular treatments and has been advised by doctors to temporarily step back from public-facing duties. However, he will continue to handle state business and official paperwork during this period.
The King personally informed his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about his condition. The Duke of Sussex is expected to travel to the UK in the coming days to be with his father.
Buckingham Palace’s statement emphasized the King’s gratitude to the medical team for swift intervention and his positive outlook on the treatment. The monarch decided to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and to contribute to public understanding of cancer.
Apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the postponement of upcoming engagements, the palace spokesperson stated, “His Majesty would like to apologize to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his wishes for the King’s full and speedy recovery, and other political figures, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, also conveyed their sympathies.
The King’s siblings, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York, and the Duke of Edinburgh, were personally informed about the diagnosis. While the King’s full program of engagements is still under consideration, it is likely that he will miss the Commonwealth Day service on March 11.
The Queen will continue with her full program of public duties, and working members of the royal family may undertake additional duties on behalf of the King. The palace confirmed that there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State.
The news comes as a professional challenge for King Charles, who has been actively engaged in his royal duties since ascending the throne. The diagnosis raises questions about the working of the monarchy, especially with fewer working members and the Princess of Wales out of action due to abdominal surgery.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other political figures, both national and international, sent their best wishes to the King for a full and speedy recovery. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins commended the King’s decision to share his diagnosis, emphasizing its contribution to public understanding of cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support, of which King Charles has been a patron since 1997, released a statement expressing support and sending best wishes to the monarch and his family during this challenging time.
Source: Daily Mail, BBC
Author: P.K.
Photo credit: Wikipedia – public domain.
