King Charlesis making his first public statement after announcing hiscancer diagnosis.
“It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the U.K. and wider world,” the statement continued. “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”
The update comes after the palace announced on Feb. 5 that the King was diagnosed with cancer. The palace shared the statement one week after King Charlesleft the London Clinicfollowing a three-day stay after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate on Jan. 26. However, he does not have prostate cancer.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” Buckingham Palacesaid in the statement.
PEOPLE understands King Charlestold his sons,Prince WilliamandPrince Harry, about the diagnosis himself. A source said William, 41, was in regular contact with his father while Harry, 39, who relocated to California with his wife,Meghan Markle, in 2020, was expected to travel to the U.K. in the coming days
The King also personally informed his siblings,Princess Anne,Prince AndrewandPrince Edward, before the news was made public.
The monarch had stepped away from public duties amid his recovery from prostate surgery, and it remains unclear when he will return to royal engagements. PEOPLE understands he will continue toreceive red boxes, the monarch’s daily delivery of documents needing his attention, and process state documents during his treatment.
King Charles leaves the Scottish coronation celebration at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 5, 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
There are currently no plans toappoint Counsellors of Stateon King Charles' behalf, and Prince William is not expected toact as regent. The Prince of Wales, however,may undertakesome duties for his father in addition to his diary of engagements, PEOPLE understands.
King Charles returned to London from Sandringham on Feb. 5 to commence treatment as an out-patient.
That Sunday, he stepped out toattend churchat St. Mary Magdalene near Sandringham with Queen Camilla, 76. The appearancemarked the monarch’s first outingsinceleaving the hospitalon Jan. 29 following the prostate treatment. The King seemed to be in good spirits when he left the London Clinic, and gave a wave on the way out of the private hospital whereKate Middletonhadabdominal surgeryon Jan. 16.
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave The London Clinic on January 29.Karwai Tang/WireImage
Karwai Tang/WireImage
On Jan. 17, Buckingham Palace announced that the sovereign wasseeking treatment for an enlarged prostate— hours after Kensington Palacerevealedthat the Princess of Wales, 42, had “successful” surgery the day before.
“In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure,” the palace statement said. “The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
King Charles disclosed his diagnosis in hopes that it would inspire men to get checked, and his decision proved to make an impact. After his announcement, there was a 1,000% increase in searches about prostate enlargement on the U.K.’s National Health Servicewebsite.
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PEOPLE understands that King Charlesvisited his daughter-in-lawPrincess Kate at the London Clinic before his own surgery. Kensington Palace said in the statement released on Jan. 17 that the Princess of Wales, 42, was expected to remain at the hospital for 10 to 14 days following the “successful” surgery before heading home to continue her recovery.
PEOPLE understands that Kate’s issue is non-cancerous, and the Kensington Palace statement said, “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”
Palace sourcestold PEOPLEthat the Princess of Wales was “doing well,” and Kensington Palace said she was “making good progress” as she was discharged from the hospital on Jan. 29.
source: people.com
