Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will undergo regular treatments while temporarily stepping back from public engagements.
The statement, issued by Buckingham Palace on Monday, said that the cancer was detected during the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, which he underwent last month.
The King, who is 75 years old, has commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
“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,” wrote Buckingham Palace.
However, he will continue to undertake state business and tend to official paperwork as usual, the statement said.
The King expressed his gratitude to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
He also said that he remains “wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”
The statement also noted that the King has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation about his decision.
The King, who ascended to the throne in 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, is the head of state of Canada and 15 other Commonwealth realms.
He is also the head of the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of 54 independent countries.
