06 February 2024 , 08:51
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Buckingham Palace confirmed last night King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo immediate treatment.
The 75-year-old monarch spent three days in hospital last month after undergoing a medical procedure for a benign condition - but during this intervention, a separate issue was noted. This second condition will now receive "appropriate treatment from a specialist team", the Palace said. Charles was recuperating at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk before returning to London yesterday to commence treatment as an out-patient.
The Royal Standard was flying above Buckingham Palace last night, denoting the King was in residence. He is said to be feeling "wholly positive about his treatment". Royal sources said the King "does not have prostate cancer". Palace sources stressed this evening that Charles' condition is not typical and his secondary diagnosis and treatment plan have not yet been confirmed by doctors.
Charles is expected to take a prolonged period away from royal duties with no confirmation of when he would return. Palace officials confirmed the King would be looking forward to doing so as soon as possible and he will continue to receive his government Red Boxes as usual throughout his period of treatment.
The King is unlikely to be at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, which is usually attended by senior members of the royal family. The palace said the King "looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible", but it is not yet known whether it will affect his attendance at events such as those marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June. There are no plans to engage Counsellors of State to take over the monarch's official duties.
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King Charles announced on Monday that he has cancer (Samir Hussein)What has the Palace said?
The statement from Buckingham Palace reads: "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."
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Charles' cancer and treatment
Charles’ condition is not typical and his secondary diagnosis and treatment plan have not yet been confirmed by doctors, royal sources claimed.
This second condition will now receive "appropriate treatment from a specialist team", the Palace said. Charles was recuperating at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk before returning to London yesterday to commence treatment as an out-patient. "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."
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Tuesday, Rishi Sunak said the cancer had been caught early. He said: “All our thoughts are with him and his family. Thankfully, this has been caught early.” He said everyone will be hoping the King “gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery. That’s what we’re all hoping and praying for, and I’m of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal.”
Charles' royal duties
The King has said sorry after the decision was taken to postpone his forthcoming public duties. It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State.
It is understood details of the King’s diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. The palace said Queen Camilla will continue with a full programme of public duties.
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Other working members of the Royal Family could undertake additional duties on behalf of the King but it is understood planning for future state visits will continue where possible. Prince William could take on some of the King's work as he is expected to return to public duties on Wednesday after the Princess of Wales' major abdominal surgery last month.
It is also understood that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through. It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with the Prime Minister should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact.
Who could deputise?
Seventeen months into his reign, the King could call on someone to deputise for him. 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.
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 nor Harry can. Prince Harry is flying 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 yesterday.
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.