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Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, but it was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. The King, aged 75, began "regular treatments" on Monday and will be postponing public duties during this period. Despite the diagnosis, he remains optimistic about his treatment and looks forward to resuming full public duty as soon as possible.
Further details regarding the stage of cancer or prognosis have not been provided. However, Charles personally informed his sons about his diagnosis, and Prince Harry, who resides in the United States, will be traveling to the UK to visit him in the coming days. The King has returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk and has commenced outpatient treatment.
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Although he will pause public events, King Charles will continue with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings. His weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will proceed in person unless advised otherwise by doctors. Additionally, constitutional mechanisms are in place for appointing "counsellors of state" to stand in for the monarch if necessary.
Currently, the appointed counsellors of state include Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward. Prince Harry and the Duke of York are no longer called upon for official duties as non-working royals.
The King's cancer diagnosis was discovered during a procedure for an enlarged prostate, initially described as a "benign" condition. He chose to make his cancer treatment public due to his past involvement with cancer-related charities. Charles has previously advocated for prostate checks to raise awareness about the issue.
The news of King Charles's diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of well-wishes from political leaders and public figures, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and US President Joe Biden, who expressed his concern and offered prayers for a swift recovery. The Palace has yet to confirm whether scheduled royal tours, including visits to Canada in May and Commonwealth countries in October, will proceed as planned.