King Charles III has been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer less than 18 months into his reign. The 75-year-old monarch will suspend public engagements, but will continue with state business, and won’t be handing over his constitutional roles as head of state.
Buckingham Palace announced the cancer is not related to his recent treatment for a benign enlarged prostate condition, explaining that “a separate issue of concern was noted” during that treatment. In a statement it said that: “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments [as an outpatient] 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 Palace added that Charles who has generally enjoyed good health throughout his life: “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. [He] 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.”
Charles became king in September 2022 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne.
News of the king’s diagnosis comes as his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, recovers from abdominal surgery that saw her hospitalised for about two weeks. She is taking a break from royal duties until Easter at the end of next month as she recovers. Her husband, Prince William, who is heir to the throne, has also taken time off to help look after the couple’s three children, but is due to preside over an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and a charity dinner tomorrow (February 7).
The king personally called his sons William and Harry as well as his siblings Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward to inform them of his health issue. Prince Harry, who quit royal duties in 2020 and now lives in the US, travelled to the UK for a brief meeting with his father.
The king’s planned visit to Australia later this year is now in doubt. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Australians know that His Majesty King Charles has always reached out to us in our country’s toughest moments, showing kindness and care for those doing it tough. All of us are thinking of him and his family in this very hard time. We wish him well for a speedy recovery. We have invited King Charles to visit Australia and we sincerely hope that that is able to occur.” Mr. Albanese sent a message to Buckingham Palace on behalf of the nation.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton urged men not to delay a visit to the doctor. “We wish every best wish to King Charles. He’s a stoic individual. There’s a message the palace wants to get out as well. Make sure you go and have a check-up because early detection is important.”
The Associated Press reports: “Charles departed from royal tradition with his openness about his prostate condition. For centuries Britain’s royal family remained tight-lipped about health matters. When UK monarchs had real power, news of illness was withheld for fear it might weaken their authority. The habit of secrecy lingered after royals became constitutional figureheads. The British public wasn’t told that Charles’ grandfather, King George VI, had lung cancer before his death in February 1952 at the age of 56. Some historians have claimed that the king himself wasn’t told he was terminally ill.”
