King Charles III was diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Feb. 5.
The statement said that the cancer was discovered during a recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement and that “subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
Buckingham Palace didn’t identify the type of cancer that was discovered or at what stage it was found.
On Feb. 5, the 75-year-old monarch “commenced a regular schedule of regular treatments” and was “advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” the statement said. During the treatment, King Charles will “continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.”
“The king is 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 palace said. “His Majesty 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.”
No other details had been released by Buckingham Palace at the time of writing.
About a week ago, King Charles was discharged from a London hospital after undergoing a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace said at the time, noting that he was expected to resume public events after a “period of recuperation.”
Before he was discharged, a statement from Buckingham Palace said that “the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” which is ”common with thousands of men each year.”
The monarch was 73 years old when he became king in September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, his mother, that same month.
Another member of the UK royal family was diagnosed with cancer several weeks ago. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, confirmed on social media that she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma after several moles were removed while she was undergoing reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy.
“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was. Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support. I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent.”
Kate, the Princess of Wales, had abdominal surgery several weeks ago. The princess, formerly Kate Middleton, is the wife of Prince William, the heir to the throne.
Kate, 42, was admitted to The London Clinic in January. The princess’s office at Kensington Palace didn’t offer further details except to state that her condition wasn’t cancerous. Though she has generally experienced good health, Kate was hospitalized while pregnant because of severe morning sickness.
