King Charles diagnosed with cancer
Illness comes less than 18 months after becoming king
LONDON (Reuters) – After spending more than seven decades waiting to become sovereign, Britain’s King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer less than 18 months after ascending the throne.
Buckingham Palace on Feb. 5 announced that the 75-year-old King would postpone public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment, but was looking forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
The palace did not reveal what form of cancer the king has, but said it is not related to his recent treatment for a benign prostate condition.
King Charles became monarch on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on Sept. 8, 2022, having been the longest-serving heir apparent in British history. He was crowned on May 6, 2023.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he is thankful that King Charles’
cancer was “caught early” as he described being left shocked and saddened by the news.
“I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time,” Sunak said.
Some commentators had warned that Prince Charles, who was never shy to give forthright views on many issues as heir, would be a radical change, upending the stoical and dedicated style of his mother.
But instead, he settled quietly into his new role, with his busy routine creating little drama. That made the announcement of his health issues all the more of a surprise.
“I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others, and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government,” he said in his first address as king.
Supporters and detractors have always acknowledged King Charles’ hard work and dedication to his duties. Royal commentators said that might be something that would have to change as he recovers from treatment.
“The man never stops. When we were kids, there were bags and bags and bags of work that the office just sent to him. We could barely even get to his desk to say goodnight to him,” son and heir Prince William said in a documentary to mark King Charles’ 70th birthday in 2018.
While details of the royals’ health is considered a private matter, King Charles has always appeared well, following a daily exercise routine to keep fit and eschewing lunch.
There was no indication that he had received the news about his cancer diagnosis when he appeared in public on Feb. 4 to attend church with his wife, Queen Camilla.
“He’s the king, he’s got to put on a show, and he’s been doing it all his life,” said Ingrid Seward, editor-inchief of Majesty Magazine.
Opinion polls suggest that while King Charles is not as popular as his much-admired mother was, many more people hold favorable views of him than negative, although there also appears to be a wide segment of indifference – people who did not hold a view either way.
“He does a pretty wonderful job, to be honest, I am a big fan,” said hotel manager Andy Bloomer, 38, in central London.
On the issue of the king’s health, he added: “I am sure he is aware of how much that will connect him to other people, other families who go through that. It’s a bit of a shock.”
Meanwhile, world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, wished Charles “a full and speedy recovery.”