King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, as Buckingham Palace announced in a statement this Monday. The 75-year-old monarch has returned to London from Sandringham, his holiday home in Norfolk, to begin treatment immediately. This new diagnosis is not related to his recent surgery for an enlarged prostate on January 26, but was detected during that procedure. Buckingham has not revealed what type of cancer the king suffers from, but they have reported that it is not prostate cancer.
"During the King's recent hospital procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, another issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today begun a program of regular treatments, during which time "The doctors have advised him to postpone his public duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to carry out the affairs of State and official procedures normally," the statement reads.
In the palace letter they also explain the reasons that led the monarch to make his illness public, "to avoid speculation and the hope that it can contribute to public understanding of all those around the world affected by cancer." The king also wanted to "thank his medical team for his quick intervention, which was possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure." Finally, it is stated that the son of Elizabeth II "remains completely positive about the treatment received and hopes to return to fully performing his public duties as soon as possible."
Carlos III underwent surgery on January 26 at the London Clinic, located in the Marylebone neighborhood. He had already postponed his official commitments for a “brief” recovery period, but it will finally be longer after the new diagnosis. Over the course of 2023, Charles III fulfilled 516 official commitments in his first full year of reign, assuming an abundant official workload at 70 years old.
According to Buckingham sources, since coming to the throne the monarch has enjoyed the challenge and his royal role, but this diagnosis will pose changes starting with the recovery time that will keep him away from official duties. Charles III was the longest-serving heir to the throne in the history of the British royal family before becoming king. Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, the same day that the ascension of Charles III occurred. He was formally proclaimed king on September 10, 2022 and was crowned king on May 6, 2023.
This diagnosis by the King of England occurs while Princess Catherine of Wales remains convalescing from abdominal surgery. The secrecy regarding the princess's health has only multiplied concern and speculation. As stated in her statement announcing her convalescence, it was Catalina herself who asked that the type of ailment that affects her not be disclosed, although British media assure that it would not be cancer. Middleton is not expected to carry out official engagements until after Easter.
With these two key figures of the British royal family out of the game, plus the casualties—the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Prince Andrew—that in recent years have diminished the hard-working Windsors, other members with less media attention have returned to the front row. but always faithful to official tasks. Like Princess Anne, who attended 457 engagements in 2023, being the hardest worker in the family, or Prince Edward, the new Duke of Edinburgh, who is the least known of Elizabeth II's children and the one who has projected the fewest scandals.
Charles' former sister-in-law, Sarah Ferguson, who maintained the title of Duchess of York after her separation from Prince Andrew, also revealed two weeks ago that she was diagnosed with skin cancer, adding even more alarm to the current health problems of these members of the British royal family.
