King has cancer
♦ All engagements have been cancelled ♦ King says he is ‘as optimistic as can be’ ♦ Type of cancer has not been revealed ♦ Diagnosis follows prostate surgery
THE King has cancer and will be postponing his public duties while he receives treatment, Buckingham Palace announced yesterday.
The diagnosis came after a hospital procedure for a benign prostate enlargement revealed a second, more serious medical issue.
The King has begun regular treatment at a London hospital, but has not revealed what type of cancer he has, other than confirming it is not prostate cancer. He is taking time away from public engagements to minimise the risk to his health.
The King was able to tell members of his family personally, with his younger son, the Duke of Sussex, now flying back to Britain to see him.
The Prince of Wales, who is already supporting his wife after serious abdominal surgery, will this week resume public engagements, including conducting an investiture. He is in regular contact with his father.
The Queen is to continue her full programme of engagements, as she continues the support that saw her visit her husband every day in hospital.
The King is said to be “wholly positive about his treatment”, and “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”.
A source added that the King was as optimistic “as can be”, having caught the cancer early and with specialist treatment available.
He will continue to undertake State duties including his audiences with the Prime Minister, Privy Council meetings and the completion of paperwork in his red boxes.
Some meetings may be held virtually, to minimise the risk of infection to the King during his treatment.
There are no plans yet to appoint Counsellors of State to deputise for him.
The news was announced by Buckingham Palace at 6pm yesterday, after the family – including the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh – the Government, and leaders of the nations where the King is head of state were informed.
A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said: “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.
“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.” Asked about the form of cancer, a spokesman said: “No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer.” The King started his treatment as an outpatient yesterday and remained at home in London last night, a spokesman confirmed. He added that the King had chosen to make his diagnosis public once treatment had begun, as patron of a number of cancer-related charities. “In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them,” he added.
Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister, said: “Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. 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.”
The Archbishop of York said the King was “someone whom we know and care for, so my response today is one of prayerful concern and hopefulness that this cancer will be treatable and that it has been diagnosed early enough for that treatment to be speedy and effective.
“I am praying for him and for the Royal family and with them for the many other people who are receiving similar treatment both for cancer and for other illnesses.”
The King has received well wishes from around the world.
Joe Biden, the US president, said he was “concerned” about the King’s cancer diagnosis, as foreign leaders wished him a swift recovery.
Mr Biden, who is six years older than the 75-year-old King, told reporters: “I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I’ll be talking to him, God willing.”
In a formal statement, Mr Biden said: “Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.”
Justin Trudeau, prime minister of Canada, said: “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.”
The King was last seen attending a church service on Sunday. He looked weary, but smiled and waved to the public as he and the Queen walked to St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Asked about King’s public schedule following the cancer diagnosis, a spokesman has now said: “Regrettably, a number of The King’s forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.”
The Duke of Sussex is flying back from California to see his father. The Duchess and their two children will remain at home in Montecito.
A source close to the Sussexes said: “The Duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to the UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.”