New Delhi: Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles III, who ascended to the throne in 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. The Palace said that the King started a schedule of regular treatments on Monday, February 5, 2024 and that he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties for the immediate future.
The Palace did not disclose the type or stage of the cancer but said that it was not prostate cancer. The King had undergone a corrective procedure for a benign prostate enlargement at a London hospital in January, where a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests confirmed the presence of cancer cells.
The Palace said that the King was grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
The King has 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.
Family support
The King has informed his immediate family members about his diagnosis, including his two sons, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and his three siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
According to sources close to Prince Harry, who lives in the United States with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, he plans to visit his father in Britain soon. Prince William, who is the heir apparent to the throne, is expected to take on more public duties in his father’s absence.
Royal history
King Charles III became the oldest king of Britain at the time of his coronation, which took place on May 6, 2023, at the age of 74. He succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died on November 8, 2022, at the age of 96, after a reign of nearly 70 years.
King Charles III has been a prominent figure in British public life for decades, as the longest-serving Prince of Wales and the founder of numerous charitable and environmental initiatives. He has also been vocal about his views on various issues, such as climate change, architecture, and education, which have sometimes sparked controversy.
The King has expressed his desire to be a modern and progressive monarch, who respects the diversity and traditions of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. He has also indicated that he would like to be known as King Charles III, rather than King George VII, which was his official regnal name.
