Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has commenced treatment, shortly after his discharge from the hospital for prostate surgery. The palace emphasized that the king “remains wholly positive” and anticipates a return to full public duty soon. Prince Harry, Charles’s estranged son, confirmed he had spoken with his father about the diagnosis and planned to visit him in the UK in the coming days.
Despite generally good health, Charles, who ascended to the throne in September 2022, faced a separate health concern during his recent hospitalization for benign prostate enlargement. While advised by doctors to postpone public duties, the king will continue state business and official paperwork.
Charles’s decision to share his cancer diagnosis aims to prevent speculation and enhance public understanding of the impact of cancer worldwide. Messages wishing him a swift recovery poured in, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressing confidence in the king’s quick return to full strength.
The diagnosis prolongs the frontline shortage of royals, with Charles’s health issue coinciding with Catherine, Princess of Wales’s abdominal surgery. Her absence, coupled with Prince William’s temporary step back for childcare, has spotlighted Queen Camilla as the most visible face of the royal family. Prince William is expected to resume royal duties this week. The palace clarified that Catherine’s surgery was unrelated to cancer, maintaining a sense of transparency about the royals’ health conditions.