LONDON, Feb 6: King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday, just a week after he was discharged from hospital following prostate surgery.
The announcement prompted a flood of messages of support, with the 75-year-old monarch’s estranged son Prince Harry saying he had spoken with the king about his diagnosis and would visit his father.
Charles, who became king upon the death of his 96-year-old mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept 8, 2022, has generally enjoyed good health, barring injuries from polo and skiing.
But the palace said that during his recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement “a separate issue of concern was noted”.
“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement, adding that he had begun treatment, but without elaborating on the type of cancer found or how advanced it was.
The palace said the king “remains wholly positive” and “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”.
He had been advised by doctors to postpone public duties although he would continue to “undertake state business and official paperwork as usual”, the palace added.
Charles won plaudits last month for being open about his benign prostate condition, with doctors saying many more members of the public had come forward with symptoms. -TVS