Key Points
- King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will postpone his public duties while he undergoes treatment.
- The British monarch had been in hospital recently to receive treatment for his prostate.
- The King and Queen were expected to tour Australia in late 2024, which is now in doubt following the diagnosis.
King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and the 75-year-old will postpone his public duties while he undergoes treatment, Buckingham Palace says.
Charles had spent three nights in hospital last month after undergoing a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, when a separate issue of concern was noted.
The palace said that tests had identified a form of cancer.
The palace did not give any details about Charles' cancer but a royal source said that it was not prostate.
The Press Association cited a source saying Prince Harry, who resides in the United States, had spoken with the King about his cancer diagnosis and will travel to the United Kingdom to see him in the coming days.
"The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be travelling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days," the source close to Harry said.
The King has started a schedule of regular treatments but has been advised to postpone his public-facing duties.
He will carry on working behind the scenes on state business and official papers, and returned from Sandringham to London on Monday to commence treatment as an out-patient.
As such, Charles will continue to have meetings with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak while his wife Queen Camilla will continue with her engagements.
"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure," the Palace said.
"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."
Buckingham Palace says the King "remains wholly positive about his treatment" for a form of cancer. Credit: Lucy North
He also is the head of state of 14 other countries including Australia.
Well wishes from political leaders
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent his best wishes to the King on X.
"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," he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said all Australians will be sending best wishes to King Charles for a speedy recovery.
"This is difficult news, and we hope for King Charles, for His Majesty, and for all of their family, all the very best. We want to see His Majesty return to full duties as soon as possible," he said.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton urged men not to delay a visit to the doctor.
"We wish every best wish to King Charles ... he's a stoic individual," he said.
"There's a message the palace wants to get out as well ... make sure you go and have a check-up because early detection is important."
Asked about the King's diagnosis, US President Joe Biden said: "I am concerned about him", adding that he planned to call Charles later.
King's Australian tour in doubt
The King and Queen Camilla were expected to tour Australia in late 2024, which is now in doubt following the cancer diagnosis.
Albanese said he looks forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa slated for October this year.
The King was expected to attend the meeting and had been invited to visit Australia as part of his trip to the region.
"We have invited King Charles to visit Australia and we sincerely hope that that is able to occur," Albanese said.
