King Charles III, 75, has cancer, palace announces
King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace announced Monday.
“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,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
Charles underwent a “corrective procedure” last week at The London Clinic after the palace previously announced that the monarch, 75, was seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate. His wife, Queen Camilla, told people at the private hospital that the king was “doing well.” His daughter-inlaw, Princess Kate, was receiving care and recovering from abdominal surgery at the same facility.
“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 palace said Monday.
The palace’s statement on Monday thanked the king’s doctors for their work.
“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,” the palace said. “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.”
In a Jan. 17 statement about the king’s condition, the palace said, “in common with thousands of men each year,” Charles “has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.”
President Biden responded to reports about King Charles’ cancer diagnosis during a visit to Las Vegas on Monday.
“I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis,” the president said.
The president said he hopes to speak soon with the king, “God willing.”
King Charles was crowned last May 6. He assumed the throne after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
Charles departed from royal tradition with his openness about his prostate condition. When U.K. monarchs had real power, news of illness was withheld for fear it might weaken their authority. The habit of secrecy lingered after royals became constitutional figureheads.
The British public wasn’t told that Charles’ grandfather, King George VI, had lung cancer before his death in February 1952 at the age of 56. Queen Elizabeth II died of old age.
According to Mayo Clinic, an enlarged prostate is a common condition as men get older. By age 60, about 30% of men show moderate to severe symptoms of BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, the medical term for the condition.
An enlarged prostate can cause a weak urine stream, a urine stream that starts and stops and frequent urination at night. A common treatment is a removal of prostate tissue.
Contributing: Michael Collins, USA TODAY; The Associated Press