In a shocking announcement, King Charles revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer after treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The royal family has not yet specified the type of cancer, but plans to begin regular treatment and postpone official duties. However, he will continue to handle state affairs and official paperwork.
The King was diagnosed with the disease in January while receiving separate treatment for an enlarged prostate at a London clinic.
The king thanked medical staff for their quick intervention and said he was feeling positive about his treatment and hoped to return to royal duties, the royal family said.
In a statement released yesterday, the family said: “His Majesty the King has decided to share his diagnosis in the hope that it will prevent speculation and help promote public understanding of all people around the world suffering from cancer.”
The discovery comes after Kate Middleton was admitted to hospital at the same time she was recovering at a London clinic after abdominal surgery.
Let's look back at the history of royal health issues.
kate middleton
In January, the Princess of Wales was admitted to a London clinic to undergo abdominal surgery for an unspecified illness.
Exact details about the princess's condition have not been released, but the palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wanted to keep her personal medical information private.
sarah ferguson
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was diagnosed with skin cancer in January 2024, just months after receiving treatment for breast cancer.
In July 2023, the 64-year-old underwent an eight-hour mastectomy. But unfortunately, during a follow-up surgery last month, dermatologists removed several of the moles and discovered that one of them was a malignant melanoma.
The Duchess is currently undergoing further tests to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of her body, but is said to be in good condition.
Queen Elizabeth II
The much-loved Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022, after a long reign of over 70 years.
The Queen was admitted to hospital in October 2021, shortly after the death of her husband, Prince Philip. Her health subsequently deteriorated, with the King reportedly noticing her declining stamina and frailty, and she did not appear in public on several occasions.
In February 2022, she tested positive for Covid after experiencing mild cold-like symptoms, the palace reported at the time.
She was pronounced dead by Dr. Douglas James Allan Glass on September 8, 2022 at 3:10 PM. Her cause of death was believed to be old age.
prince philip
The Queen's beloved husband died in April 2021 at the age of 99, with his cause of death officially listed as 'old age'.
The King was discharged from hospital after receiving treatment for a pre-existing heart condition until his death.
In 2012, he missed the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations due to a bladder infection, and in 2011 he was taken to hospital by helicopter from Sandringham due to chest pains. He was then treated for a blockage in his coronary artery.
The royal was involved in a car accident two years ago when a car crashed into her car, but although she was not injured, she sought medical advice as a precaution.
queen mother
The Queen's mother, Queen Elizabeth I, died in 2002 at the age of 101 after suffering from an ulcer on her left leg and ongoing hip problems that left her unable to move as she aged.
In 1995, she had a right hip replacement, and three years later she had a left hip replacement.
King George VI
On February 6, 1952, King George VI died in the middle of the night.
He underwent major surgery to remove his left lung in September 1951, but died of a blood clot just a few months later.
This caused coronary thrombosis, a blockage of the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart, leading to sudden collapse and fatal heart failure.
His death came as a shock to the public and royal family. Because even the king did not know the full extent of his illness.
It was later revealed that he suffered from lung cancer due to heavy drinking and smoking throughout his life.
Edward VIII
George VI's older brother was king until he abdicated the throne in January 1936.
Like his older brother, he smoked frequently and died after battling throat cancer in 1972.