King Charles III, aged 75, has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement on Monday. The diagnosis followed a hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, during which doctors discovered a separate issue. While the specific type of cancer and its stage have not been disclosed, diagnostic tests have confirmed its presence.
This announcement comes shortly after both King Charles and Kate, the Princess of Wales, were discharged from a private London clinic following individual medical procedures. King Charles had undergone a procedure to correct an enlarged prostate on December 13, and Kate had abdominal surgery on January 17. The nature of Kate’s surgery remains unspecified.
In light of his diagnosis, King Charles has begun a regimen of regular treatments and has been advised by his doctors to postpone public-facing duties for the time being. The king ascended to the throne last year, following the coronation ceremony in May, after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having served for 70 years.
Prince William is expected to resume his royal responsibilities soon, attending the London’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner on Wednesday. Kensington Palace has indicated that the Princess of Wales is unlikely to return to her royal duties before Easter, set for March 31 this year, but no specific timeline has been provided for King Charles III’s return to duties.