05 February 2024 , 18:59
1050
0
King Charles personally told his children and the rest of the Royal Family about his cancer diagnosis - including his youngest son, Prince Harry.
The Monarch revealed today that he has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo immediate treatment. It comes after he spent three days in hospital being treated for an enlarged prostate. It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer, however sources have said it is not prostate cancer.
The King wanted to tell the Prince and Princess of Wales, and his siblings - Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward - the news himself. It is not known when he told them. He is also speaking to his oldest son and heir regularly, with a source close to Prince William said: "The Prince of Wales is in regular contact with his father."
King Charles spoke with his family personally following the medical news (PA)He also called his youngest son Prince Harry to share the upsetting news, despite their strained relationship. Harry, who now lives in the US with Meghan Markle, is set to fly back to the UK to see his dad.
A source close to the Duke of Sussex said: "The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days."
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
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 public-facing royal duties with no confirmation of when he would return. However he is expected to continue receiving his government Red Boxes as usual throughout his period of treatment.
There are no plans to engage Counsellors of State to take over the monarch’s official duties. Queen Camilla will continue to support the King throughout his treatment but will continue her public duties throughout.
A statement issued this evening by Buckingham Palace read: "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."