Britain’s King Charles has started treatment for a type of cancer and will take a break from his public royal responsibilities. Buckingham Palace shared this news on Monday, stating that while the 75-year-old king is hopeful about his treatment, he will step back from public appearances.
King Charles assumed the throne in September 2022 after the passing of Queen Elizabeth, his mother. He is maintaining a positive outlook on his treatment and is eager to resume his full public duties once it’s possible, according to the palace’s statement.
Last month, King Charles was hospitalized for three nights to undergo a procedure to address an enlarged prostate. During this hospital visit, doctors discovered another health issue but did not disclose any specifics, only mentioning that the king had been diagnosed with a “form of cancer.”
The palace confirmed that this cancer is not related to his prostate condition.
The king has begun a series of regular treatments. Doctors have recommended that he limit his public engagements during this treatment phase. However, King Charles will still carry out his state business and official paperwork as he has been doing.
Prince Harry, King Charles’ younger son, has been in touch with his father regarding the health news and plans to visit from California, where he currently lives with his wife Meghan and their two children. Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal roles in 2020.
The announcement about King Charles’ health comes shortly after both he and his daughter-in-law, Kate, the Princess of Wales, were treated at the same hospital. Kate, Prince William’s wife and the future queen consort, was hospitalized for two weeks for abdominal surgery.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared his support and good wishes for King Charles.
“I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well,” Prime Minister Sunak said in a statement on X.
