A little over a year after finally ascending the British throne, King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.
Earlier this week, Buckingham Palace announced the saddening news, which came on the heels of a procedure the monarch had undergone to treat an enlarged prostate.
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Details of the specific nature of Charles’s cancer remain scarce, though the Palace did confirm that it was not prostate cancer. The King has already started a “schedule of regular treatments”, while it’s been reported that he broke the news to his close family members himself.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” Buckingham Palace said on Monday.
“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
The statement said that Charles would postpone public duties for treatment, but projected optimism about his prognosis.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains 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.”
Naturally, the past few days have given rise to no end of speculation as to the King’s overall health, though the Palace has remained typically tight-lipped.
Yet there may be a message that the royals were trying to convey with the last set of photos they released of Charles before his cancer diagnosis was announced. One particular photo shows the 75-year-old monarch looking hale and healthy in an open doorway, dressed smartly in a suit with his hands clasped behind his back.
According to the BBC’s former royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, the photo would have been a deliberate attempt by the Palace to try and ease the concerns of the public when the news of his cancer became widely known.
Speaking to Sky News, Bond said: “This was carefully choreographed probably yesterday, deliberate attempt by the King and the Palace to show that he is ok, that we mustn’t worry too much.”
As stated, Charles has already started treatment for his cancer, and is in regular contract with his eldest son and heir, Prince William. Not only that, but reports earlier this week detailed how Prince Harry had flown back to the UK upon hearing of his father’s diagnosis. The pair held a brief meeting yesterday (Tuesday, February 6), though there are apparently no plans in place for Harry and William to convene.
Here’s to wishing King Charles all the very best with his treatment moving forward.
