LONDON: Britain’s King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will suspend public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday.
The type of cancer has not been disclosed – it is not prostate cancer – but it was discovered during treatment for a recently enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace said the monarch began “routine treatment” on Monday and will suspend performing public duties during this period.
It said the 75-year-old monarch is optimistic about her ongoing treatment and hopes to return to full public duty as soon as possible.
No further details are being revealed on the cancer’s stage or prognosis.
The king told both of his sons about his diagnosis and Prince William, Prince of Wales, is believed to be in constant contact with his father.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who currently lives in the United States, has spoken to his father and will travel to the UK to meet him in the coming days.
The King returned to London from Sandringham, Norfolk, on Monday morning and the palace said he had begun treatment as an outpatient.
Although Charles will halt his public engagements, the king will continue to carry out his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings.
It may be noted that a constitutional mechanism exists for when the head of state is unable to carry out official duties – “advisers of state” may be appointed to stand in for the king in that circumstance.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took to micro-blogging site X (formerly known as Twitter) to wish him a speedy recovery.
Sunak’s post said, “I wish Her Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt that she will be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country wishes her well.” Must be doing.”
Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labor Party, said, “On behalf of the Labor Party, I wish Her Majesty all the best for her recovery. We look forward to seeing her back to full health soon.”
