King Charles reveals cancer diagnosis following hospitalization for enlarged prostate

On Monday, February 5, King Charles III announced his diagnosis with cancer, having previously been hospitalized, through Buckingham Palace's social media.

The King's recent medical procedure, intended to address benign prostate enlargement, revealed an additional cause for concern. The follow-up diagnostic tests discovered a form of cancer," reported the palace.

“King Charles has started a series of routine treatments following this diagnosis. The doctors have advised him to delay public-facing tasks for the time being. Despite this, the King will carry on undertaking State business and official paperwork as usual," the announcement continued.

In regards to his cancer diagnosis, the King expressed his gratitude to his medical team and showed optimism about his treatment. He also aims to resume his public responsibilities as soon as possible.

King Charles decided to make his diagnosis public to avoid speculation and to bring understanding to others worldwide affected by the disease.

The Palace had previously shared on January 17, that King Charles, at the age of 75, was to undergo a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate. The King was released from The London Clinic after three days, on January 29. On that day, he expressed gratitude towards those who had sent him well-wishes via Instagram and highlighted the positive impact of his diagnosis on public health awareness.

No future engagements have been scheduled for the King, providing private recuperation time. The King made his first public appearance since his hospitalization on Sunday, February 4, attending a service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate with Queen Camilla, briefly acknowledging his royal supporters.

Following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022, at age 96, Charles ascended to the throne, marking the end of his 70 years as Prince. He is the longest-serving king in waiting in Britain. His eldest son, Prince William, is the next in line to the throne.

The King's health issue adds to other recent health crises within the royal family.

On January 16, Princess Kate underwent "planned abdominal surgery" and stayed in the hospital for close to two weeks. Upon her discharge, she continued her recovery at Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate. It was only hours before King Charles's procedure announcement that news of her hospitalization was revealed.

The particulars of Princess Kate's surgery have not been disclosed. Kensington Palace stated that she wishes for her personal medical information to remain private while maintaining normalcy for her children. During her recovery, her husband, Prince William, paused his royal duties to support her and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The princess is not anticipated to resume her royal duties until after Easter.

On January 21, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, announced her diagnosis with malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and her treatment commencement. In June 2023, Prince Andrew’s former wife underwent a single mastectomy after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.