King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment.
Buckingham Palace made the announcement yesterday, just a week after he was discharged from hospital for prostate surgery.
The palace said that during his recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, “a separate issue of concern was noted”.
No further information was shared on the type of cancer or the prognosis, and the King will put a pause on all public events.
Throughout his treatment, the King will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual, unless his doctors advise him differently.
In the statement by the Palace, King Charles expressed his gratitude 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 says the King chose 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.
The British media has been leading with the news since last night.
The King's cancer has been caught early and all our thoughts are with him, UK PM Rishi Sunak tells BBC https://t.co/tKLMFn14sC
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) February 6, 2024
King Charles's cancer diagnosis: What we know so far
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 6, 2024
Well-wishes have been pouring in, with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying he has no doubt the King will be back to full strength in no time and that the whole country will be wishing him well.
US President Joe Biden also extended his well-wishes on X:
Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.
Both his sons have been informed, and the Prince of Wales is said to be in regular contact with his father.
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, who lives in the United States, spoke to his father and will reportedly be travelling to the UK to see him in the coming days.
Prince William will resume his public duties, after his wife, the Princess of Wales, is still recovering from stomach surgery.
The palace has stressed her condition is not cancer related.
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