King Charles ‘remains wholly positive and looks forward to returning to duty’ after cancer diagnosis
Prince Harry said he would be travelling to the UK in the 'coming days' to be with his father
THE King is “wholly positive” about his cancer diagnosis and “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”, Buckingham Palace insisted yesterday.
Charles has begun immediate treatment after his recent prostate operation led to the discovery of the disease.
He personally broke the shock news to sons William and Harry and his closest family members before a public announcement yesterday evening.
As Prince Harry prepared to fly from the US to see his father, there was an outpouring of support for the monarch from around the world.
The King, 75, has already begun hospital care as an outpatient after returning from Sandringham to London.
While he does not have prostate cancer, officials are not revealing what type of the disease he is suffering from.
It was during an operation for a benign prostate enlargement last month that “a separate issue of concern” was found and tests “identified a form of cancer”.
At 6pm yesterday, Buckingham Palace released a new picture of Charles in a blue pinstriped suit alongside the news of his cancer diagnosis.
The statement read: “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 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.
What we know so far:
- The King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer
- Prince Harry is flying to the UK to support his father
- The King personally called his siblings and children to tell them
- He is receiving expert care from specialist doctors
- His Majesty returned from Sandringham to London to begin treatment today
- Doctors advised the King to postpone public-facing Royal duties
- Camilla is preparing to play an important role supporting the King
- Charles will continue to receive Red Boxes and State documents during his treatment
- The King will continue to meet the Prime Minister for a weekly audience
“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 affected by cancer.”
Queen Camilla, 76, and the Prince of Wales, 41, are set to take on the weight of the King’s work.
William is set to return to public duty tomorrow after caring for wife Kate following her abdominal surgery.
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.
Prince Harry, 39, said he would be travelling to the UK in the “coming days” to be with his father.
While a hospital outpatient, Charles will continue to carry out his constitutional role — reading government papers and having weekly audiences with the Prime Minister.
Charles, patron of several cancer charities, was keen for his diagnosis to be made public after speaking to Wills, Harry and his royal siblings Anne, Andrew and Edward.
He had also revealed his diagnosis for an enlarged prostate before undergoing surgery at The London Clinic at the end of last month.
Charles was originally set to remain in hospital for 48 hours but his stay was extended for a third night — sparking health fears.
The Sun revealed that concerned Camilla had advised Charles to “slow down” but aides insisted he was “raring to go” and full of energy.
He waved to wellwishers when he left hospital on January 29 and was seen smiling as he walked to church on the Sandringham estate with wife Camilla on Sunday.
The Palace has said that while no further details on the type of cancer will be revealed, they insist the King is receiving “expert care”.
Sources also said despite the major health scare, he “looks forward” to getting back to front-line duties as soon as he is fit and ready.
Charles had been resting in Norfolk with Camilla but has now returned to London, and is believed to be staying at Clarence House, his home in the capital.
Sources said that the start of his cancer treatment did not require an overnight hospital stay.
He is expected to remain in London during his treatment.
Doctors had already advised Charles he would need a month after his prostate operation before he could think about returning to duty.
He is now expected to need even more time away from engagements — but a treatment plan has not been confirmed and it is not known when he is likely to return to a full programme of work.
Palace sources said “regrettably” a number of engagements will have to be postponed or cancelled.
But there will be no need for any other members of the Royal Family to step in for the King to cover his constitutional duties, it is claimed.
Just over a year ago — under a proposal from Charles himself — the House of Lords extended the number of family members who can cover the sovereign’s official duties.
There are now six Counsellors of State after Prince Edward and Princess Anne were both upgraded to ensure out-of-favour Prince Harry and Prince Andrew were not called upon.
Charles is well enough to continue holding weekly audiences with the PM Rishi Sunak, the Palace says.
Camilla, who visited Charles every day he was in hospital recently, is expected to be by her husband’s side as he receives treatment.
But she will also return to her engagements, with a full programme of public duties at some stage.
Last Friday Camilla opened the Maggie’s Royal Free cancer centre in Hampstead, North London.
It is understood the visit was in the diary before the King’s diagnosis.
During the trip, Camilla responded to questions about her husband’s health by telling people: “He’s getting on, doing his best.”
When Dori Dana-Haeri, who led the fundraising effort for the new centre, said she was “so pleased” Charles was well, the Queen nodded as she replied: “Thank goodness.”
The Princess of Wales, 42, is recuperating at home in Windsor after abdominal surgery and expected to be off work until after Easter.
King Charles’s latest health scare comes 17 months after the death of his beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth, in September 2022.
He was the longest-serving British heir apparent and aged 73 when became King Charles III.
Charles carried out more than 500 engagements last year including state visits to Kenya, Germany and France, and a 48-hour whistlestop trip to Dubai to make an opening address at the COP28 climate change summit.
The Prince of Wales is set to return to official duties tomorrow with an investiture at Windsor Castle.
In the evening, William is also due to make a speech at a gala event for the London Air Ambulance at Raffles Hotel in West London.
Last night, a Prince Harry source said: “The Duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis.
“He will be travelling to the UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.”
It is not known where Harry will stay when here after he was evicted from Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate last year.
Wife Meghan, 42, will remain at their Montecito mansion in California with their children Archie, four, and two-year-old Lilibet.
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
