Seven royals who can stand in for King Charles during cancer treatment

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Seven royals who can stand in for King Charles during cancer treatment
Seven royals who can stand in for King Charles during cancer treatment

So far, King Charles has never needed to call on a fellow royal to stand in for him when he is abroad or undergoing any medical treatment, but he has seven people he can rely on.

Seventeen months into his reign, the royal could call on someone to deputise for him as he has been diagnosed with cancer.

The Palace declined to confirm the type of cancer but confirmed it is not prostate cancer - after the royal received treatment last week.

The Royal returned from Sandringham to London on Monday to begin treatment as an out-patient - and the BBC said the outlook is 'positive' with the cancer caught early.

There are currently seven counsellors of state - as it technically includes the Duke of Sussex, who lives in California after stepping down as a working royal, and the disgraced Duke of York.

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But in reality, the role is held by members of the royal family who can deputise for the monarch if he is abroad or unwell - which neither Prince Andrew or Harry can.

Prince Harry is set to fly home to see his father, a source confirmed. “The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days,” the source close to Harry said.

Seven royals who can stand in for King Charles during cancer treatmentThe unrelated cancer was discovered while he was undergoing medical treatment (Samir Hussein)

The royals who can stand in for the King are the Queen and the four most senior adults in the line of succession – Prince of Wales, Harry, Andrew and Princess Beatrice.

But it is thought that none of them will be asked to step in for the King on a formal basis as the royal has announced he will carry on working behind the scenes on state business and official papers.

This is likely to include his weekly meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, usually held on a Wednesday, and the regular Privy Council meetings.

Only "working members" of the royal family will be called upon to act as Counsellors of State - ruling Prince Andrew and Prince Harry out of the list. Instead, Princess Anne and Edward can be called upon to take their places. Both were previously counsellors of state before they were overtaken in the order of succession.

Seven royals who can stand in for King Charles during cancer treatmentAndrew is a counsellor of state - but is unlikely to be called upon (AFP via Getty Images)

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, withdrew from royal duties after his association with US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, lives with his family in the United States and has stepped back from being a "working royal". By law, counsellors of state are required to have a UK domicile, but Harry has no address here after stepping back from official duties.

Charles, 75, was seen entering The London Clinic in London last week with the Queen at his side.

It is the same hospital where the Princess of Wales is recovering after undergoing successful abdominal surgery last week.

A statement from Buckingham Palace issued this evening: "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.

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"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."

Rosaleen Fenton

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