KING Charles has been diagnosed with cancer after the disease was spotted during his prostate operation.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said a « separate issue of concern was noted » after Charles spent three nights in hospital last month.
Tests carried out have revealed « a form of cancer », the palace added.
The King, 75, is understood to have notified his siblings and children personally, with Prince Harry flying to the UK today to support his dad.
Meghan will remain at their Montecito mansion in California with their children Archie, four, and two-year-old Lilibet.
William will also return to public engagements on Wednesday after cancelling his diary to care for Kate and their children after she underwent abdominal surgery last month.
What we know so far:
The Prince of Wales, 41, and Queen Camilla, 76, are set to take on the weight of the King’s work.
The Sun understands that Charles and William have become incredibly close in recent months.
He has been regularly staying at Windsor Castle on Sunday nights to spend time with his eldest son and heir to the throne.
His Majesty began a schedule of regular treatments and postponed front line duties on the advice of doctors.
Meanwhile, all other working members of the Royal Family are understood to be continuing with public engagements and may undertake additional duties on Charles’ behalf.
The announcement comes just eight days after the King was released from hospital following a « corrective procedure » for an enlarged prostate.
In statement released yesterday, 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 Sun’s Royal Photographer Arthur Edwards is keeping positive about King Charles’ cancer diagnosis
« 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. »
The Palace did not confirm the type of cancer, but it is not prostate cancer.
Reacting to the announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak 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. »
Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer added: « On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery.
« We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health. »
US President Joe Biden has also said he is « concerned » about the King and plans to call him later.
He told reporters: « I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis.
ROYAL OPERATIONS
How the King and Kate’s respective health battles unfolded:
Tuesday, January 16: Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery.
Wednesday, January 17: Kensington Palace announces the princess’ operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days.
Over an hour later, Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days.
Thursday, January 18: Prince William spends time at his wife’s bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
The Queen says the King is « fine » and « looking forward to getting back to work » during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery
Friday, January 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure.
Monday, January 22: The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is « fine », and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon.
Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: « The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit. »
Thursday, January 25: The King arrives back in London from Sandringham ready for his treatment.
Friday, January 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital.
Sunday, January 28: Queen Camilla arrives for her fourth visit on Charles’ third day in hospital.
Monday, January 29: King Charles leaves hospital.
Sunday, February 4: Charles seen waving as he walks to church at Sandringham.
Monday, February 5: Buckingham Palace announce King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.
« I’ll be talking to him, God willing. »
Charles, who acceded to the throne just 17 months ago, was last seen on Sunday when he attended church in Sandringham.
He announced on Wednesday, January 17, that he had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and was set to go to hospital.
The palace said his condition was « benign » and he would undergo « a corrective procedure ».
A spokesman said: « In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
« His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.
« The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation. »
Sources close to the King said at the time he was keen to share his diagnoses to encourage other men suffering symptoms to seek medical advice.
The announcement sparked 26,170 visits to the enlarged prostate page on the NHS website compared to a daily average of 1,400 earlier in the week.
Camilla said Charles was « fine » and « looking forward to getting back to work » as she spoke in Aberdeen during an official visit to an art gallery 24 hours later.
He spent two nights at Birkhall, on Balmoral estate, with Camilla cancelling her flight back to England after her engagement, to stay with her husband.
It comes as the Princess of Wales continues to recover from abdominal surgery.
Kate underwent abdominal surgery at the same London Clinic in January 16.
She was released 13 days later.
Former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss also sent their best wishes to the King this evening.
Mr Johnson wrote on X: « The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery. »
Ms Truss said: « Sending every best wish to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as he undergoes his treatment for cancer.
ARTHUR EDWARDS: King Charles has been there for so many people over the decades – now it’s time for the nation to be there for him
LIKE me the nation will be in deep shock at the news that King Charles has cancer – because he is the healthiest man I know.
For the past forty years I have tried to keep up with our monarch as he shakes countless hands, travels across the globe and meets assorted dignitaries.
I must confess that I have not been able to match him for stamina or pace on Royal tours.
Charles works out every evening, loves nothing more than walking across Balmoral’s glorious hillsides in Scotland and only eats organic food, often grown by himself.
The King is incredibly disciplined about his diet.
He doesn’t eat lunch, choosing to go from breakfast to dinner without a proper meal.
There is little doubt that His Majesty will receive the best medical care in the world and I am hopeful that his consultants have caught whatever cancer it is early.
If anyone can get the better of this insidious illness, it is Charles.
« He will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Save The King! »
Charles was under doctor’s orders to rest and he relaxed at Sandringham until travelling to London the night before his hospital appointment.
Buckingham Palace said at the time: « The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment.
« His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week.
« He is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness. »
The surgery was labelled a success and as Camilla left the clinic she told reporters « he’s fine, thank you ».
The Queen visited her husband twice a day while he was in hospital.
His Majesty was due to spend just two nights in hospital but was kept in for three.
He walked out of The London Clinic last Monday with Camilla by his side.
A palace spokesman said: « The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation.
« He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days. »
Within days of his release, sources revealed the King had already returned to dealing with his government Red Boxes fulfilling his constitutional role.
‘DOING HIS BEST’
Opening a cancer care centre on Wednesday January 31, Camilla revealed the King was « getting on » and « doing his best ».
Asked during an engagement in Bath on February 1, if the King was safely resting at home after his procedure, Camilla replied: « Yes, he’s recovering well thank you. »
On Sunday, the King was pictured smiling and waving as he walked to church at Sandringham – his first sighting since leaving hospital.
The palace previously said his engagements would be postponed for a month in order for the King to recuperate.
It is unclear if this will change following this evening’s announcement.
Charles’ health scare was revealed the same day Kensington Palace announced Princess Kate had undergone an abdominal surgery.
The Princess of Wales underwent the planned operation on January 16.
Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that Kate had undergone the surgery, which is understood not to relate to cancer.
Prince William visited Kate at the London Clinic every day following her surgery.
