King Charles Diagnosed with Cancer, Will Postpone Duties and Undergo Treatment, Reports Reuters

By Michael Holden and Muvija M

LONDON – King Charles has been diagnosed with a type of cancer, prompting him to postpone public engagements as he begins treatment, according to Buckingham Palace. Despite the diagnosis, the palace noted that the king remains "wholly positive" about the situation, which comes less than 18 months into his reign.

At 75, Charles ascended to the throne in September 2022 following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth. He has started a series of treatments and is eager to return to full-time responsibilities as soon as possible.

The announcement of his cancer diagnosis follows a recent hospital stay for a corrective procedure related to a benign enlarged prostate, during which a separate health concern was identified. While details about the cancer diagnosis were not disclosed, the palace confirmed that it is not prostate cancer.

"His Majesty will continue with State business and official paperwork as usual during this time," the palace stated, indicating that he will still hold meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while Queen Camilla continues with her own engagements.

On Sunday, King Charles appeared in good spirits, smiling and waving at onlookers as he attended a church service with Queen Camilla. This marked his first public appearance since he and his daughter-in-law Kate left the same hospital a week earlier, where both underwent planned treatments.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, is recovering from abdominal surgery for a non-cancerous issue and will not resume royal duties until after Easter. Meanwhile, her husband, Prince William, has been caring for their three children and is set to carry out his first public engagement since her operation on Wednesday.

Traditionally, the royal family maintains a tight-lipped approach regarding health matters, viewing them as private affairs. However, Charles has decided to be open about his diagnosis to mitigate speculation and enhance public understanding for those affected by cancer worldwide.

Prime Minister Sunak expressed his best wishes to the king, stating he is confident Charles will recover swiftly, a sentiment echoed by leaders from Australia and Canada. U.S. President Joe Biden also expressed concern over the news and expressed intentions to call the king, highlighting the courage required to navigate a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The king personally informed his immediate family of his diagnosis, and Prince Harry plans to visit his father in the UK soon. Currently residing in California with his wife Meghan and their two children, Harry left royal duties in 2020.

After a lengthy wait to become king, Charles’s first year on the throne was marked by his coronation, a grand event that showcased his commitment to the monarchy while maintaining a style reminiscent of his mother’s. Despite some expectations of significant changes under his reign, polls indicate that most Britons view his leadership favorably, although younger generations appear less enthusiastic about the royal family as a whole.

Ingrid Seward, the editor-in-chief of a major royal publication, noted that Charles, known for his workaholic tendencies, may need to adjust his pace due to recent health challenges. She remarked on the toll the past months have taken on him, suggesting that both his body and Queen Camilla will encourage him to take things more slowly.

Despite recent changes in other royal families, such as Queen Margrethe II of Denmark’s abdication, Seward affirmed that there is no likelihood of Charles stepping down from his role.