Buckingham Palace recently announced that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and will be avoiding public events after being advised by his doctors to minimize in-person contact. According to royal experts, the announcement marks a remarkable departure from the past when monarch’s illnesses were often hidden from the public.
The palace said in a statement, “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.” The statement also didn’t specify what stage the cancer was found. Separately, Buckingham Palace said Charles didn’t have prostate cancer. The news comes a week after both King Charles and Kate were discharged from a private London clinic after medical procedures.
The king underwent a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate, while Kate had unspecified abdominal surgery on Jan. 17. The statement added, “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time doctors have advised him to postpone public-facing duties.” According to the statement, the king wanted to share his diagnosis in part to avoid speculation on his condition but also “in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
Before becoming king, Charles served as patron to a number of cancer-related charities, and “in this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them,” according to Buckingham Palace. No further details are being shared about his treatment or prognosis, a palace spokesperson said, but the king returned to London to begin out-patient care.
Charles ascended the throne last May in a coronation ceremony held months after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth reigned until her death at the age of 96 in September 2022. She was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, with 70 years on the throne. Buckingham Palace noted that many of the king’s planned engagements will have to be postponed or canceled, apologizing in advance to anyone inconvenienced as a result. Charles’ wife, Queen Camilla, will continue with her full public duties as he undergoes treatment.
Buckingham Palace has also emphasized that no counselors of state will be appointed, a sign that the king will continue to perform his duties, said Craig Prescott, who teaches law at Royal Holloway, University of London, and specializes in the constitutional side of the monarchy. Prescott said, “If the king is unavailable due to illness or is traveling overseas, then counselors of state can be appointed to fill in for the king and undertake the formal, constitutional functions of the monarch: things like granting the royal assent to legislation, and go through his red boxes.”
A source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, told NBC News that Harry spoke to his father about the diagnosis. The source said, “He will be traveling to the U.K. to see His Majesty in the coming days.”