Britain's King Charles diagnosed with cancer

The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham (Joe Giddens/PA)

Britain's King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace has announced. 

The Palace confirmed the disease, which is not prostate cancer, was discovered while the King was being treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.

King Charles has started a schedule of regular treatments, but has been advised to postpone his public-facing duties.

The Palace declined to confirm the type of cancer.

Britain's Prince Harry has spoken with the King about his cancer diagnosis and will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to Harry said.

The King leaving the London Clinic on January 29 after spending three nights in hospital following treatment for an enlarged prostate (Victoria Jones/PA)

He will carry on working behind the scenes on state business and official papers, and returned from Sandringham to London on Monday to commence treatment as an out-patient.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “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 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.”

King Charles III departs the London Clinic in central London after spending three nights receiving medical care following treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Tributes

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, said he is "very sorry and concerned to hear today's statement regarding King Charles' medical diagnosis".  

"The President has sent his best wishes on behalf of the people of Ireland to King Charles for his medical treatment and for his full recovery, as well as to Queen Camilla and his family," he added. 

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has wished the King a “full and speedy recovery” and said he will no doubt “be back to full strength in no time” after Charles was diagnosed with a form of cancer.

Former British prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss sent their best wishes to the King.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill wished the King a full and speedy recovery.

“I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,” she posted on X.

Mr Sunak’s immediate predecessors in No 10, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, also sent their best wishes to the King, with Mr Johnson saying: “The whole country will be rooting for the King today.”

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. He will be in our thoughts and prayers.

“God Save The King!”

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said that for Charles, a workaholic who often worked until midnight on his papers, his recent health issues would mean he would have to take it more slowly now.

"His body will tell him he has to, and Camilla certainly will," she said. "I think he's mentally exhausted since the death of the queen. It's been non-stop for him since then."

While Queen Margrethe II of Denmark abdicated last month in favour of her son King Frederik X after 52 years on the throne, Seward said there was no chance Charles would follow suit.

"Absolutely not, 100% no," she said.

Charles, 75, was discharged from the London Clinic a week ago after undergoing treatment on an enlarged prostate.

The shock news is the latest health scare to hit the royal family at the start of 2024, coming after the King’s hospital stay, the Princess of Wales’s major abdominal surgery and Sarah, Duchess of York’s diagnosis of skin cancer.

Buckingham Palace announced on January 16 that the King was to have treatment for an enlarged prostate, but that the condition was benign.

The Palace announced the King’s cancer diagnosis at 6pm on Monday.

Charles, who acceded to the throne just 17 months ago, was last seen on Sunday when he attended church in Sandringham.