Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, leading to the postponement of his public engagements as he undergoes treatment. The 75-year-old monarch, who ascended to the throne in September 2022, expressed optimism despite the health scare.
The palace revealed that Charles had initiated a series of treatments and was eager to resume full-time duties as soon as possible. This revelation follows a recent hospital stay where a corrective procedure was performed for a benign enlarged prostate.
The palace did not disclose specific details about the type of cancer but clarified that it is not prostate cancer. Throughout the treatment period, King Charles will continue to fulfill state business and official paperwork, maintaining his commitments. Despite the health challenges, meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will persist, while Queen Camilla will carry on with her engagements.
Publicly, King Charles maintained a positive demeanor, evident in his recent attendance at a church service alongside Queen Camilla. This outing followed his hospitalization, which coincided with his daughter-in-law Kate’s medical procedures. Kate, the Princess of Wales, underwent abdominal surgery and is expected to return to royal duties after Easter.
World leaders, including President Joe Biden, conveyed their best wishes for King Charles’s swift recovery. Prince Harry, the king’s younger son, will travel to the UK to be with his father during this time. Charles, known for his environmental advocacy, has faced health challenges amid his first year on the throne, marked by the grandeur of his coronation.
Despite speculation about a potential monarchy overhaul, Charles has largely followed his mother’s style, garnering favorable views in polls, though younger generations show less enthusiasm for the royal family.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, noted that Charles, a dedicated worker, may need to slow down due to recent health issues and mental exhaustion since the death of Queen Elizabeth. However, abdication is deemed unlikely, contrasting with recent events in Denmark where Queen Margrethe II stepped down after 52 years on the throne.