| Advertisement |
Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Britain's King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace announced Monday. A statement issued by the royal family did not indicate what type of cancer the 75-year-old king has but specified it is a separate health issue from a prostate procedure he underwent last month.
Advertisement
"During the king's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted," the statement read. "Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer."
The royal family said Charles has begun a "regular schedule" of treatments to address the cancer and has been advised to postpone all of his public-facing duties.
"Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual," they said.
Charles' cancer diagnosis comes less than three weeks after doctors first discovered the enlarged prostate during a routine check-up. He was urged to have surgery to resolve the problem, and he did so on Jan. 26. He was released from care three days later.
Buckingham Palace said the king "remains wholly positive" about his cancer diagnosis and has given thanks to his medical team for their "swift intervention.
"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," the palace said.
The king personally shared the news with his immediate family, including his sons Prince William and Prince Harry, the BBC reported. Harry, who has been estranged from his father in recent years, will travel from California to Britain in the coming days, the broadcaster said.
Despite his illness, British media reported Charles will continue to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on weekly basis.
Charles was last seen in public on Sunday while attending church with Queen Camilla at the Sandringham House royal residence in Norfolk, England -- his first appearance since last week's hospital stay.
The cancer diagnosis brought an outpouring of concern and well wishes from world leaders, celebrities and others from around the world.
"Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery," Sunak wrote on X. "I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well."
"Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage," U.S. President Joe Biden said in a social media statement. "Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also sent his best wishes, stating, "I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. We're sending him our very best wishes -- and hoping for a fast and full recovery."
Keir Starmer, leader of Britain's Labor Party, wrote that "on behalf of the Labor Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health."
The newly appointed first minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, voiced her concerns as well, writing, "I am very sorry to hear of King Charles illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment and a full and speedy recovery.
