Britain’s King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The palace confirmed the disease, which is not prostate cancer, was discovered while he was being treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.
King Charles has started a schedule of regular treatments but has been advised to postpone his public-facing duties.
The palace declined to confirm the type of cancer.
He will carry on working behind the scenes on state business and official papers and returned from Sandringham to London to commence treatment as an out-patient.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted.
“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“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.”
President Higgins sends best wishes to King Charles
In a statement, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said he “is very sorry and concerned” to hear of King Charles’ medical diagnosis.
President said he sent his best wishes on behalf of the people of Ireland to Charles and his family for his treatment and full recovery.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill wished Charles a full and speedy recovery.
“I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,” she said.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was praying for the King.
“I would like to wish His Majesty, King Charles all the the very best for his treatment,” she said.
“I, like many people throughout Northern Ireland, will keep him and his family in my prayers.”
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said his party offered “heartfelt wishes” to the King after the “shocking news” of his diagnosis.
“This is, unfortunately, a reality many families, right across these islands, face day and daily,” he said.
“I know that people across Northern Ireland, and indeed the world, will be holding him and the royal family in their thoughts and prayers during this very worrying time for them all.
“As a nation, we join together to wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and a return to full health.”
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he hoped Charles makes a full recovery.
“Very sorry to hear that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. It’s the kind of news that people and families dread getting,” he said.
“Thoughts are with him and his own family at what must be a difficult and distressing time. We hope he makes a full recovery.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said 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.”
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer tweeted: “On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery.
“We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.”
US President Joe Biden has said he is “concerned” about Charles and plans to call him later.
He told reporters: “I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis.
“I’ll be talking to him, God willing,” Mr Biden said.
Charles, 75, was discharged from the London Clinic a week ago after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace announced on 16 January that Charles was to have treatment for an enlarged prostate, but that the condition was benign.
Charles, who acceded to the throne just 17 months ago, was last seen yesterday when he attended church in Sandringham.
‘Prevent speculation’
Charles won plaudits for being open about his benign prostate condition, with doctors in the UK saying many more members of the public had come forward with symptoms.
The palace added that Charles had chosen to share his cancer diagnosis “to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer”.
The diagnosis will prolong a frontline shortage of royals created by Charles’ prostate procedure and the almost simultaneous hospitalisation of Kate, the UK’s Princess of Wales.
Kate, 42, who is the wife of Charles’ son and heir to the throne Prince William, underwent abdominal surgery at the same hospital that Charles was treated in.
She left hospital last Monday on the same day as Charles following a stay of around of two weeks and may not return to public duties until late March.
William, 41, also stepped back temporarily from planned engagements to help care for their three children.
The pair’s absence left Queen Camilla, Charles’ 76-year-old wife, as the most visible face of the royal family.
William is expected to return to royal duties this week.
At the time of Kate’s operation, Kensington Palace stressed that her condition was not linked to cancer, without elaborating.