Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles is grappling with a diagnosed form of cancer, though the specific type remains undisclosed. Notably, it is not prostate cancer, but the revelation surfaced during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

The 75-year-old monarch initiated “regular treatments” on Monday, necessitating a temporary withdrawal from public duties, according to the Palace. Despite the challenging circumstances, King Charles maintains an optimistic outlook on his treatment and eagerly anticipates resuming full public duty at the earliest opportunity.

Details regarding the cancer stage or prognosis have not been disclosed. The King personally informed both his sons of the diagnosis, with the Prince of Wales reportedly maintaining regular communication with his father. Prince Harry, residing in the United States, has spoken with his father and plans to travel to the UK to be with him in the coming days.

Returning from Sandringham in Norfolk on Monday morning, the King has commenced outpatient treatment in London. While public events will be temporarily on hold, he will actively fulfill his constitutional role as the head of state, engaging in paperwork and private meetings.

Weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to continue in person unless medical advice suggests limiting such contact. Constitutional provisions allow for the appointment of “counsellors of state” in the event the head of state is unable to carry out official duties. Presently, individuals such as Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward are designated for this role. Notably, non-working royals, including Prince Harry and the Duke of York, are excluded from the current roster.

In a related context, Prince William, who had temporarily withdrawn from public engagements to support his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, during her recovery from abdominal surgery last month, is set to return to public duties later this week.