King Charles, the monarch of the United Kingdom, has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, as announced by Buckingham Palace. While the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, it has been confirmed that it is not prostate cancer, but was detected during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The 75-year-old King has commenced “regular treatments” as of Monday and will be temporarily stepping back from his public duties during this time, according to statements released by the Palace. Despite this setback, the King maintains a positive outlook towards his treatment and eagerly anticipates resuming his full public responsibilities as soon as possible.
Details regarding the stage of the cancer or a prognosis have not been disclosed by the Palace. However, Charles personally informed both his sons about his diagnosis, with the Prince of Wales maintaining regular contact with his father. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who resides in the United States, has also spoken with his father and is making arrangements to travel to the UK to be with him in the coming days.
Upon returning to London from Sandringham in Norfolk, the King has initiated his treatment as an outpatient, indicating a determination to address his health concerns while continuing to fulfill his constitutional role as head of state. Despite temporarily scaling back public events, King Charles will continue with essential constitutional duties such as paperwork and private meetings. Additionally, his weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to persist, with in-person meetings unless advised otherwise by medical professionals.
In instances where the head of state is unable to fulfill official duties, a constitutional provision allows for the appointment of “counsellors of state” to stand in for the monarch. Presently, individuals designated for this role include Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward. Notably, Prince Harry and the Duke of York are no longer included in this roster due to their status as non-working royals.
The King’s decision to publicly disclose his cancer treatment aligns with his longstanding commitment to supporting charitable initiatives related to cancer research and patient care. As a patron of several cancer-related charities during his tenure as Prince of Wales, King Charles has actively advocated for increased awareness and access to screenings for various forms of cancer, including prostate cancer.
Acknowledging the King’s efforts, organizations such as the Royal Society of Medicine have praised his advocacy and urged eligible individuals to prioritize cancer screenings. Dr. Jay Verma, president of the general practice with primary healthcare section of the Royal Society of Medicine, emphasized the importance of early detection and encouraged the public not to hesitate in seeking medical attention.
The news of King Charles’s diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from both domestic and international figures. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and US President Joe Biden are among those who have extended well wishes for the King’s recovery. President Biden, whose own family has been affected by cancer, expressed solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom and offered prayers for the King’s swift recovery.
Charles ascended to the throne following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, with his coronation occurring the subsequent May. Despite the ongoing treatment, the King and Queen have scheduled official visits to Canada in May and to Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October. However, the Palace has yet to confirm whether these tours will proceed as planned, awaiting further updates on the King’s health and his eventual return to full public duties.
In conclusion, while facing a health challenge, King Charles remains resolute in his commitment to both his personal well-being and his duties as the reigning monarch, buoyed by the support and prayers of well-wishers across the globe.
