Doctors detect cancer in Britain King Charles IIIBuckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday. Unspecified cancer was discovered by doctors treated monarch for enlarged prostate a little over a week ago.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told CBS News’ sister network BBC News on Tuesday that Charles’ cancer was “caught early.”
Sunak said: “Like everyone, we are shocked and sad, and all our thoughts are with him and his family. Fortunately this was caught early and now everyone will wish him to get the treatment he needs and make a full recovery. That is what we are all hoping and praying for.”
What type of cancer does King Charles III have?
It appears the king was diagnosed with cancer elsewhere in his body, not in his prostate.
The king, 75, was released a week ago after being treated for an enlarged prostate, which the palace said was not cancerous. During this treatment, however, a “distinct area of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests identified a form of cancer.”
Buckingham Palace said Charles had “begun a program of regular treatment” and that during this treatment he would “postpone his public facing duties”. He said he would continue his official activities and office work as usual.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their prompt intervention, made possible by his recent hospital operation. He remains fully positive about his treatment and looks forward to fully resuming his public duties as soon as possible,” the statement said, adding that the monarch has “chosen to share his diagnosis to avoid speculation and in the hope that it may help the public understand all those around the world affected by cancer.”
How long has Charles been king?
Charles has been king for less than a year and a half after inheriting the monarchy upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth IIin September 2022. He was crowned several months later on May 6, 2023. His health was generally considered good. A non-cancerous tumor was removed from his face in 2008, according to the Associated Press.
Charles was admitted a few weeks ago for prostate treatment to the same private London clinic where his daughter-in-law, Kate, Princess of Walesunderwent abdominal surgery, unspecified. She was also returned home to Windsor and was said to be recovering well to January 29.
Kate’s husband, William, Prince of Wales, who is next in line to inherit the throne after his father, is expected to return to royal duties this week after taking some time off to support his wife following her operation, according to Kensington Palace, William and Kate’s official residence.
BBC News reported that the king personally informed his immediate family, including William, of the diagnosis. Sources confirmed to CBS News on Monday that the royal’s youngest son, Prince Harry, had spoken with his father about his diagnosis, and on Tuesday he returned to the UK visit the monarch.
Harry, the Duke of Sussex, moved to the United States several years ago with his wife Meghan as they gave up their roles as senior members of the royal family.
Sunak said in a message posted on social media on Monday, he “wished Her Majesty a full and speedy recovery” and that he had no doubt that Charles “would be back in great shape in no time”.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty 
President Biden reacted to the news during a campaign trip to Las Vegas, ahead of Nevada’s upcoming presidential primary, telling reporters that he had just been informed of the British monarch’s diagnosis, that he was “worried about him” and that he would “talk to him, God willing.”
Later on social media, Mr. Biden, whose eldest son Handsome Biden who died of brain cancer in 2015, said he and first lady Jill Biden were praying for the king’s recovery.
“It takes hope and sheer courage to navigate cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship,” the president said. “Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying for Her Majesty’s speedy and full recovery.”
Alex Sundby contributed reporting.
