Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles, 75, has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, discovered during recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. Although the specific type of cancer remains undisclosed, the King has initiated “regular treatments” starting Monday.
Despite the health challenge, Buckingham Palace emphasizes King Charles’ positive outlook on his treatment, expressing eagerness to resume full public duties at the earliest opportunity. Public engagements will be postponed, with senior royals expected to stand in for him.
The King, who returned to London from Sandringham on Monday, will continue his constitutional role as head of state, managing paperwork and private meetings during outpatient treatment. No details regarding the cancer stage or prognosis have been disclosed.
In the event the head of state is unable to fulfill official duties, a constitutional mechanism allows for the appointment of “counsellors of state.” Current counsellors include Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward. Notably, non-working royals Prince Harry and Prince Andrew will not be called upon.
Prince William, who temporarily withdrew from public engagements to support his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, during her recovery from abdominal surgery, is set to return to public duties later this week.
