King Charles III has been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer, Buckingham Palace said Monday.
While the 75-year-old King recently underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate, the Palace said his diagnosis was not prostate cancer in a statement on Monday. The cancer was, however, discovered during subsequent checks that took place as a result of prostate treatment.
The statement adds that the monarch began receiving cancer treatment on Monday.
“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.
The King’s royal engagements have been postponed, with other senior members of the family expected to stand in on his behalf. The Palace added that the King has chosen to share details of his illness to “prevent speculation” and further public understanding for others who have been diagnosed with cancer.
The BBC reported Monday that Prince Harry has spoken to his father following the cancer diagnosis and will travel to the U.K. to see him in the upcoming days. The King has returned from Sandringham, in Norfolk, to London for his first treatment.
The King’s health has been a public focus this month since he was admitted to a private London clinic hospital on Jan. 26 for a pre-planned procedure to correct his enlarged prostate, otherwise known as a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Ahead of his hospitalization, Buckingham Palace announced on Jan. 17, that the King would undergo prostate treatment in efforts to encourage other men to have their prostate checked. His approach was successful, causing a surge in people checking the NHS website’s page about the condition 11 times more than usual, according to The Guardian.
“In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged…
