Buckingham Palace just announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed; however, it has been confirmed that it is not prostate cancer. The diagnosis came to light during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
According to the palace, the King has begun regular treatments and will be scaling back on public duties for the duration of his treatment.
Despite the diagnosis, the 75-year-old monarch remains optimistic about his treatment and eagerly anticipates resuming his full public duties as soon as possible.
Details regarding the stage of the cancer or the prognosis are not being disclosed at this time.
King Charles personally informed both of his sons about his diagnosis, and the Prince of Wales is reported to be maintaining regular communication with his father during this period.
There are more than 200 types of cancer – the most common ones in the UK are breast, lung, prostate and bowel – according to the NHS website.
For many types of cancer, the chance of getting it increases with age. UK figures suggest, on average each year, more than a third (36%) of new cancer cases were in people aged 75 and over.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak wished the King a “full and speedy recovery”, as did Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Photo credit: Muhammad Aamir Sumsum
