King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer following his “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate last month, Buckingham Palace announced today in a statement.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the royal family said in a statement. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
Charles began a “schedule of regular treatments” on Feb. 5, the palace said, and has postponed public duties. He chose to share the diagnosis in order to “prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” the statement continued.
What was King Charles’ recent prostate procedure?
The statement didn’t specify what kind of cancer Charles was diagnosed with nor its stage, though the BBC has reported that “it is not prostate cancer” — a conclusion some might jump to after the king’s recent procedure for benign prostate enlargement. That procedure took place Jan. 26, a little over a week after Kate Middleton also underwent a health procedure, specified as a “planned abdominal surgery,” per a royal family statement.
“In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” the Palace said via a statement on Jan. 17, per the BBC. Following the public reaction to the news, the royal family posted an update on X thanking followers for sending good wishes and noting that Charles was “delighted that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”
What is prostate enlargement?
Per Mayo Clinic, prostate enlargement occurs when the prostate gland, which is a small gland below the bladder that helps to make semen, grows large enough to cause urination-related symptoms, including the frequent or urgent need to urinate, peeing more often at night, and a weak urine stream. Prostate enlargement, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is the most common prostate problem for men older than 50, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports. It affects about 50 percent of men between ages 51 and 60 and 90 percent of men above age 80.
How will King Charles’ cancer diagnosis affect the royal family?
Charles will pause his “public-facing duties” while undergoing treatment, but the palace stated that he will continue completing “State business and official paperwork.”
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla is set to “continue with a full programme of public duties” while supporting her husband, per a palace spokesperson in Town & Country. On Feb. 8, in her first public appearance since Charles’ diagnosis, Camilla said Charles “is doing extremely well under the circumstances. We are very touched by all of the letters and messages.”
The palace’s initial statement added that the king was “grateful” to his doctors for the “swift intervention,” which the palace says was possible due to his recent procedure. Charles is “wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
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