Buckingham Palace has disclosed that King Charles has received a diagnosis of cancer and has commenced treatment, rendering him unable to fulfil public duties for the foreseeable future.
Although specific details about the type of cancer remain undisclosed, it has been confirmed not to be prostate cancer. The condition was identified during the 75-year-old monarch's recent medical attention for a benign enlarged prostate at the London Clinic.
Despite this health setback, the palace assures that the king maintains a positive outlook toward his treatment. He has initiated regular outpatient sessions as of Monday, necessitating the postponement of public engagements. Nonetheless, King Charles will continue to fulfil his constitutional responsibilities as head of state, managing paperwork, attending to his red boxes, and conducting private meetings.
Following the announcement, both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have extended their well wishes to the King. Sunak expressed his hopes for "His Majesty's full and speedy recovery" in a message shared on X, previously known as Twitter. The Conservative leader confidently stated, "I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time, and I know the whole country will be wishing him well."
In a separate tweet, the Labour leader conveyed his party's sentiments, saying, "On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery." Sir Keir further emphasised, "We look forward to seeing him return to swift full health."
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has joined global leaders to wish a speedy recovery to King Charles. "I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III," he said in a post on X.
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry also recently had a short reunion with his father, the king, after flying overnight from California to visit him following the diagnosis.
With King Charles’s health challenge and uncertainty about his return to full public duty, the palace machinery will activate. As he begins treatment, royal duties will continue, albeit with adjustments. Other working royals are anticipated to fill in for him during this period.
