King Charles stepping back from royal duties after cancer diagnosis

King Charles stepping back from royal duties after cancer diagnosis

Britain’s King Charles has been diagnosed with an unnamed form of cancer and is stepping back from royal duties, Buckingham Palace said yesterday.

The announcement comes after the monarch underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate at the end of last month.

It is not connected to his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, but doctors spotted it during his treatment at the London Clinic, a private healthcare facility where he spent three nights before being discharged on January 29.

His procedure coincided with a hospital stay for daughter-in-law Kate Middleton, who spent 11 nights in the same clinic, and two weeks after Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with skin cancer in what has been a painful start to the year for the British royal family.

The 75-year-old monarch remains in high spirits, but will no longer participate in public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment, which he has already begun. It is thought that Charles remains at home for now – most likely in Clarence House, which is his favoured residence in London.

A statement from the palace read: “During the king’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.

“Throughout this period, His Majesty 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.

“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.”

The palace said his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have been informed.

A source close to Harry confirmed that he is due to fly from his home in the US to London to visit his father in light of the news.

It is unknown if his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, aged four and two, are expected to join him.

The family relocated to California after stepping down from public duties in 2020 and have only returned to the UK on a handful occasions, such as the late queen’s funeral in September 2022.

Well wishes for the king poured in from across the political spectrum.

British prime minister Rishi Sunak wrote on X: “Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”

Labour leader Keir Starmer posted on X: “On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.”

Similar messages were also issued by leaders of each of the devolved governments and Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle, while former prime minister Boris Johnson wrote: “The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery.”

Asked about the king’s diagnosis, US president Joe Biden said: “I am concerned about him”, adding that he planned to call Charles later.

The monarch was last seen waving and walking with Queen Camilla on Sunday in his first public outing since receiving treatment, as he attended a church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.

Since becoming king following the death of his mother, Charles hit the ground running with a trio of overseas state visits, before hosting two incoming state visits, as well as undertaking hundreds of public engagements a year – highlighting the fitness and rigour of a man into his 70s to manage such a workload.

The news of his illness comes after he was discharged from the London Clinic on January 29, just hours before Kate was released after undergoing abdominal surgery.

Over the last month, the royal family have been struck by a series of health scares, including Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, being diagnosed with skin cancer.

In a statement on January 21, the 64-year-old’s spokesperson confirmed she had malignant melanoma after having several moles removed, just six months after receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Kensington Palace confirmed that William is due to return to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture, while his wife continues to recuperate at home.

Kate is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter, but is said to be in good spirits at the family’s home in Adelaide Cottage near Windsor Castle. (Irish Independent)