King Charles of the United Kingdom is set to postpone public appearances as he undergoes treatment for cancer. While few details about the king’s prognosis have been revealed, the palace has confirmed the illness was identified during treatment for an enlarged prostate, but is not prostate cancer. The king will focus on his constitutional role as head of state, completing paperwork and private meetings as he receives treatment. However, the king’s weekly audiences with prime minister Rishi Sunak are expected to continue, unless medical advice suggests otherwise.
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has spoken to his father and will travel to the UK to see him in person in the coming days. The king is said to be “wholly positive” about his treatment and remains committed to returning to public duty. Concerns about the king’s absence from public events will be alleviated by Prince William, who is expected to cover some engagements on his father’s behalf.
The king’s cancer diagnosis has sparked a national conversation about cancer screening and treatment. One in two people in the UK will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. While the most common types of cancer are breast, lung, prostate, and bowel cancers, there are more than 200 types of the disease. UK figures suggest more than a third of new cancer cases each year are in people aged 75 and over.
The Royal Society of Medicine has thanked King Charles for highlighting that cancer is indiscriminate, urging those eligible for cancer screenings to book an appointment. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer, and US President Joe Biden all expressed their concerns for the king’s health, wishing him a speedy recovery. While the king is expected to continue with paperwork and private meetings, the date for his return to public-facing duties remains unknown
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