King Charlesis facing another health battle.
After undergoing a procedure totreat an enlarged prostatelast month, Buckingham Palace revealed on Monday that the King, 75, has cancer.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement.
PEOPLE understands King Charles told his sons,Prince WilliamandPrince Harry, about the diagnosis himself. A source says William, 41, is in regular contact with his father, while Harry, 39, who relocated to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020, is expected to travel to the U.K. in the coming days.
The King also personally informed his siblings,Princess Anne,Prince AndrewandPrince Edward, before the news was made public.
King Charles was seen withQueen Camillaattending church on Sunday at St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham, where the royal family traditionally attends mass on Christmas Day. Itmarked the monarch’s first outingsinceleaving the hospitalon Jan. 29 following a three-day stay after his prostate procedure.
King Charles returned to London from Sandringham on Monday to commence treatment as an out-patient.
The monarch had stepped away from public duties amid his recovery from prostate surgery, and it’s not known when he will return to royal engagements given his cancer diagnosis. PEOPLE understands he will continue toreceive red boxes, the monarch’s daily delivery of documents needing his attention, and process state documents during his treatment.
It is expected that the King will maintain weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, with appropriate adjustments made if his doctors advise minimizing in-person contact.
There are currently no plans toappoint Counsellors of Stateto act on King Charles' behalf.
Buckingham Palace revealed that the King wasseeking treatment for an enlarged prostateon Jan. 17. “In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure,” the palace statement said. “The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
He disclosed his diagnosis in hopes that it would inspire men to get checked. His decision proved to make an impact: after his announcement, there was a 1,000% increase in searches about prostate enlargement on the U.K.’s National Health Servicewebsite.
Queen Camilla, King Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton in Scotland on July 5, 2023.YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty
YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty
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It was announced earlier on Monday that Prince William willreturn to public dutythis week. The Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, 41, cleared his schedule as his wife,Kate Middleton, had abdominal surgery on Jan. 16. After a 13-day hospital stay, the Princess of Wales, 42, is continuing her recovery at home in Windsor.
source: people.com
