King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and began treatment on Monday, Buckingham Palace has said.
'During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,' their statement read. 'Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.'
On Sunday, Charles was seen at his first public outing since receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate, visiting St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. Last week, he spent three nights as the London Clinic private hospital following a corrective procedure for a benign prostate condition.
Queen Camilla has continued attending public outings for the royal family, as both Prince William and Princess Catherine took a break from royal duties while Kate too recovers from a health condition.
At her public appointments last week, Queen Camilla said her husband was ‘doing his best’ and ‘recovering well’. She opened a cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London and attended the anniversary of the St John's Foundation in Bath.
The public have been sending their well wishes to King Charles on social media.
What cancer does King Charles have?
The royal family has not disclosed the type of cancer King Charles has been diagnosed with, nor where he is receiving treatment.
However, Buckingham Palace have confirmed it is not prostate cancer. Diagnostic tests following his treatment for a benign enlarged prostate ‘identified a form of cancer’ but was described as ‘separate issue of concern’.
Why haven’t the royal family revealed what type of cancer King Charles has?
At this early stage, it is not known why the royal family have not revealed the type of cancer King Charles has. But they did confirm: ‘His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.’
Where is King Charles now?
The monarch is now back in London, after returning to the capital from Sandringham in Norfolk on Monday. He has started treatment as an outpatient (a patient who visits a hospital for diagnosis or treatment without staying overnight).
Who is next in line after King Charles?
King Charles’ eldest son, William, Prince of Wales, is the heir to the throne.
According to GB News Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker, Prince William will potentially represent his father at royal events amid his cancer diagnosis.
Walker said, ‘Prince William, I'm told, is also possibly going to be taking on some of King Charles' duties or representing the King of behalf of him, but certainly not all. The King is still expected to have his weekly audience with the Prime Minister, but on doctor's advice, it's advised that they should not meet in person.’