Charles issues touching apology as news of his cancer diagnosis is shared
King Charles has issued a touching apology after revealing that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
The King has said sorry after the decision was taken to postpone his forthcoming public duties following his diagnosis. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said Charles would continue to "undertake State business and official paperwork as usual" and he will continue having weekly audiences with the Prime Minister. The recent diagnosis means 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.
King Charles leaving the London Clinic last week (Getty Images)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. A palace spokesman said: "Regrettably, a number of the King’s forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence."
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.
The Palace confirmed the disease, which is not prostate cancer, was discovered while the King was being treated in hospital last month for an enlarged prostate. Prince Harry, who has a rocky bond with his father, is to fly to the UK in the coming days to see his dad and has spoken to Charles about his diagnosis, a source close to the Duke of Sussex said.
Buckingham Palace said the King personally called both Harry and William – as well as his siblings the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh – to share news of his health. Heir to the throne William is understood to be in regular contact with his father. Meanwhile, the King has already started a schedule of regular treatments and is said to be receiving expert medical care from a specialist team, but has been advised to postpone his public-facing duties. The Palace declined to confirm the type of cancer.
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