Key Points
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Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles is undergoing treatment for cancer - It comes after the monarch underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate
- During treatment, a ‘separate issue of concern was noted’ by doctors
- This was confirmed to be cancer, however King Charles does not have prostate cancer
- Prince Harry is due to fly to the UK soon after speaking with his father
- Well wishes have been sent by politicians following the news
- The King is said to be ‘wholly positive about his treatment’
King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
It comes just days after the monarch underwent treatment at The London Clinic for an enlarged prostate.
The monarch was diagnosed with the condition on January 17 while staying at Birkhall, Aberdeenshire.
However Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the King does not have prostate cancer.
A palace spokesperson confirmed that while the King was undergoing treatment, a “separate issue of concern” was noted”.
Buckingham Palace said: “It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. This second condition will now receive appropriate treatment.
“No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
The King and Queen Camilla were in Sandringham at the weekend and were seen attending the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene.
The King then returned to London on Monday in order to commence treatment as an out-patient.
He remains at home in London on Monday evening.
A palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty is grateful to his medical team for their expert care and swift intervention, is 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.”
Following the news of His Majesty’s diagnosis, it was reported that the King’s youngest son, Prince Harry, had spoken with his father and is due to fly back to the UK “in the coming days”.
“The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days,” a source close to Harry said.
Meanwhile, well wishes were sent by political figures, including the Prime Minister, who said he knew “the whole country will be wishing [the King] well”.
Labour leader Keir Starmer added: “We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.”
Scotland’s First Minister posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that his “thoughts and prayers” are with the King, as well as Queen Camilla and other members of the Royal Family.
Speaking with STV News, Yousaf added: “I don’t think it matters whether you are a member of the Royal Family or not, if a family member has cancer that is always going to be extremely worrying indeed.
“So I want to send them my very best wishes, not just on behalf of myself, personally, the government I lead, but in terms on behalf of the entire nation.”
US President Joe Biden has 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.
“I’ll be talking to him, God willing.”
Meanwhile Douglas Ross, Scottish Conservative leader told STV News: “Well, like people across the United Kingdom and around the world, I’m sending my very best wishes to His Majesty for a full and speedy recovery and also to his family.
“Like families around the world, they are facing this battle against cancer.
“And I think it’s very encouraging that he has been so open about it,” the MSP said.
“And our thoughts are very much with the King for that speedy recovery and with his family who are dealing with this prognosis.”
In the House of Commons on Monday evening, the Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle wished the King a “speedy recovery”.
He said: “I know the whole house will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening.
“Our thoughts, are of course, with His Majesty and his family and all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonight’s news.
A statement from Cancer Research UK on X said: “We’re sorry to hear the news that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.
“We’re sending our thoughts and well wishes to the King and the royal family at this difficult time.”
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