King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, according to Buckingham Palace.

Source : BBC.UK

 The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, but it was identified during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. The 75-year-old monarch began “regular treatments” on Monday and will temporarily step back from public duties. Despite the diagnosis, King Charles remains optimistic about his treatment and eagerly anticipates returning to full public duty soon, as stated by the Palace. Further details about the cancer stage or prognosis are not currently provided.

Charles personally informed both of his sons about the diagnosis, maintaining regular contact with Prince of Wales, who was reportedly aware. Prince Harry, residing in the United States, spoke with his father and plans to visit the UK in the coming days. The King, who returned to London from Sandringham, Norfolk, on Monday, has commenced outpatient treatment while continuing his constitutional role as head of state.

Although public events will be paused, King Charles will carry out constitutional duties, including paperwork and private meetings. Weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will proceed unless doctors advise against in-person contact. If the head of state is unable to fulfill official duties, “counsellors of state” may be appointed; the current list includes Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward.

Prince William, who had temporarily withdrawn from public engagements, had helped his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, recover from abdominal surgery. Earlier on Monday, the King attended a church service in Sandringham, waving to crowds and walking for about 10 minutes. The recent prostate procedure had been described as for a “benign” condition until the cancer diagnosis emerged.

King Charles chose to make his cancer treatment public due to his past patronage of cancer-related charities during his tenure as Prince of Wales. He had previously disclosed his prostate treatment to raise awareness, resulting in increased awareness about prostate conditions. The Royal Society of Medicine thanked the King for highlighting the indiscriminate nature of cancer, encouraging eligible individuals to undergo screenings.

The Prime Minister, Labour leader, and US President Joe Biden expressed well wishes for King Charles’s recovery. President Biden, who had personal experiences with cancer in his family, emphasized the importance of hope and courage during such diagnoses. King Charles ascended to the throne in September 2022 and was coronated the following May. Scheduled visits to Canada in May and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October are yet to be confirmed. The Palace has not provided a return date for the King’s full resumption of public duties.

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