King Charles Has Cancer
On Feb. 5, Buckingham Palace announced in an official statement that doctors had identified a form of cancer in King Charles’ system, without revealing which type had affected him. They discovered this while treating him for an enlarged prostate that, in itself, was noncancerous. The Palace stated that the King has started receiving regular treatments and would no longer be handling public-facing duties. However, he will still deal with State business and official paperwork like usual.
According to The Guardian, the King personally told his two sons and three siblings about his cancer diagnosis. Upon hearing the news, the King’s younger son, Prince Harry, who in 2020 retired from royal duties and moved to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, swiftly boarded a flight to England for a quick visit with his father.
On Feb. 6, Prince Harry was seen at Clarence House, the London residence of the King and Queen, for a private meeting with the King that went on for less than an hour. He was not accompanied by his wife or children. After staying in England for just over 24 hours, he flew back to California.
Throughout his life, the King has generally been in good health. But on Jan. 17, Buckingham Palace revealed that the King needed to undergo medical treatment due to prostate enlargement. At the time, the Palace made clear that his prostate condition was benign. He arrived at the London Clinic on Jan. 26 for treatment and was discharged after staying for only three days.
The King “remains wholly positive about his [cancer] treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” according to Buckingham Palace. The statement explained that he had “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.”
Many prominent public figures have extended their support to the King, including Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, who posted on X, “wishing his majesty a full and speedy recovery. 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.”
In a statement on Feb. 10, King Charles expressed his thanks for all the public support. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” he shared in a letter posted to Instagram.
Since his diagnosis, the King has mostly avoided public engagements. However, royal experts mostly believe that he will not abdicate the throne. According to Carolyn Harris, a history instructor at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Education who spoke to USA Today, the King would only abdicate if he were severely ill. Barring serious disease, he would only step down if he were plagued by scandal. She added that he would try to follow “the examples of his mother and father to keep calm and carry on.”
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