King Charles of England was diagnosed with cancer

06 February 2024

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday that King Charles' cancer was detected at an early stage. Sunak added that the whole country was hoping for a full recovery for King Charles.

Buckingham Palace officials announced on Monday that the 75-year-old king had "some kind of cancer" and that he would delay his public appearance for treatment.

Buckingham Palace added that Charles was "very positive" and looked forward to returning to public work as soon as possible.

Charles has been king for less than 18 months. He became king after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth.

He plans to continue to meet with the prime minister on a weekly basis and work on state documents.

Charles' son, Prince William, is the first in line to the throne. He is expected to take over some of Charles' responsibilities. His youngest son, Prince Harry, came from California on Tuesday to visit the king. Prince Harry does not have a good relationship with the royal family.

Sunak said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news.

Sunak told BBC Radio: "We are with the king and his family. You know, thank goodness, it was found out early. ”

Sunak said he was in regular contact with the king. "This will certainly continue as usual," he said. ”

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed concern on Monday and said he planned to call the king later.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on the social media service X: "We send him our best wishes and wish him a speedy and full recovery. ”

Cancer is found

The cancer was discovered only after Charles had recently spent three nights in the hospital. At the time, he was undergoing medical surgery for a non-cancerous enlarged prostate.

Buckingham Palace officials said he was not suffering from prostate cancer. But they did not provide any additional details about the cancer that the king had.

The British royal family usually keeps medical matters secret. But the palace said Charles wanted his diagnosis to be made public. He is a supporter of several cancer-related charities.

Charles' treatment may draw attention to the long waiting times for cancer patients under the UK's state-run NHS.

Cancer survival rates in the UK are lower than in other European countries. A January report by NHS England showed that nine of the 10 most common cancers in the UK have lagging survival rates.

King Charles' cancer was caught early, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Tuesday. Sunak added that the nation is hopeful the king can make a full recovery.

Buckingham Palace officials announced on Monday that the 75-year-old king had a "form of cancer" and would postpone his public appearances to receive treatment.

The palace added that Charles was "wholly positive" and looking forward to returning to public work as soon as possible.

Charles has been king for less than 18 months. He became king following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth.

He is planning to continue his weekly meetings with the prime minister and dealing with state papers.

Charles' son, Prince William is first in line to the throne. He is expected to fill in for some of Charles' duties. His younger son Prince Harry, who has a troubled relationship with the family, arrived Tuesday from California to visit the king.

Sunak said he had been "shocked and sad" at the news.

"All our thoughts are with him and his family. You know, thankfully, this has been caught early," Sunak told BBC radio.

Sunak said he was in regular contact with the king. "That will of course continue as normal," he said.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his concern on Monday and said he planned to call the king later.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on the social media service X: "We're sending him our very best wishes – and hoping for a fast and full recovery."

Cancer discovery

The cancer was discovered recently when Charles stayed three nights in the hospital. At the time, he was undergoing a medical procedure for a non-cancerous enlarged prostate.

Buckingham Palace officials have said he does not have prostate cancer. But they did not give any additional details about the kind of cancer the king has.

The British royal family usually keeps medical issues private. But the palace said Charles wanted to make his diagnosis public. He is a backer of several cancer-related charities.

Charles' treatment will likely draw attention to the long waiting times for cancer patients under Britain's state-run National Health Service (NHS).

Survival rates for cancer in Britain are lower than those of other European countries. A January NHS report shows that Britain is behind for nine out of 10 of the most common kinds of cancer.