British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has told BBC News that King Charles’ cancer was “caught early.”
Sunak said, “Like everyone else, we’re shocked and sad, and just all our thoughts are with him and his family. Thankfully, this has been caught early and now everyone will be wishing him, that he gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery. That’s what we’re all hoping and praying for.”
It is understood that the king has been diagnosed with cancer elsewhere in his body, not of the prostate.
The king, 75, was discharged one week ago following treatment for an enlarged prostate, which the palace said was not cancerous. During that treatment, however, a “separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
Buckingham Palace said Charles had “commenced a schedule of regular treatments,” and that during that treatment he would “postpone public-facing duties.” It said he would continue with his official business and office work 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,” the statement said, adding that the monarch 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.”
Charles has been king for less than a year and a half after inheriting the monarchy upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. He was crowned several months later, on May 6, 2023. His health was generally understood to have been good. He had a noncancerous growth removed from his face in 2008, according to The Associated Press.
