Buckingham Palace announced on Monday (5) that King Charles III had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, but did not specify details about the type of disease.
The monarch began treatment today and will stay out of public life until he recovers.
See what is known about King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis:
What type of cancer does the king face?
Buckingham Palace said it would not release further details about the king’s illness at this stage of his treatment. However, he confirmed that it is not prostate cancer.
How did the king discover cancer?
King Charles underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate just over a week ago. The monarch spent three days in hospital and during that time he underwent a series of tests, which detected cancer.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, of England, in Braemar, Scotland / 02/09/2023 REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
What treatment will Charles III receive?
Buckingham Palace did not disclose details of the treatment, but stated that the monarch is accompanied by a team of specialists. It is not yet known whether Charles is treated by the British public health system — the NHS, which is a reference in Europe — or in a private hospital.
Where will the king stay during treatment?
The king returned to London this Monday (5), after a trip to Sandringham, and is expected to remain in the British capital during this period.
Will Charles step away from public life?
According to Buckingham Palace, King Charles will step away from public life during the period of treatment. However, he will continue as head of state, holding private meetings and communicating with authorities when necessary.
King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Kenya / 11/1/2023 REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi
“Her Majesty began a regular treatment schedule today, during which she was advised by doctors to postpone public care duties,” the palace said.
“Throughout this period, Her Majesty will continue to carry out State business and official documentation as usual,” he added.
Why was the diagnosis made public?
According to the royal family, the king decided to publicize his health status to avoid speculation. Furthermore, Charles wants to raise awareness of the situation of people suffering from cancer.
Will health status updates be released?
Buckingham Palace said it will not disclose the king’s health status on a daily basis, as a way of preserving his privacy.
Front view of Buckingham Palace, in London, United Kingdom / 01/11/2020 REUTERS/Henry Nicholls
How is the king feeling?
“He remains completely positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to public service as soon as possible,” Buckingham Palace said.
The king was seen for the first time since leaving hospital for the prostate procedure on Sunday (4).
With Queen Camilla by his side, he appeared to be in good spirits, waving to the crowd as he headed to St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, for a church service.
Children’s reaction
Prince William, next in line to the throne, will return to public duties later this week after taking time off to support his wife as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
Princes Harry and William (archive) / Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images
William maintains regular contact with his father, according to a source close to the Prince of Wales.
Prince Harry has spoken to his father about the diagnosis and will travel to the United Kingdom to see the king in the coming days, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s office said.
What happens if the king becomes incapacitated?
If King Charles III became so ill that he was temporarily unable to carry out all of his duties, he could delegate some of the tasks to two or more Councilors of State.
The current Councilors of State in the United Kingdom are Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice.
However, if the king becomes completely unable to fulfill his constitutional duties, to the point that the state can no longer function properly, his powers can be withdrawn and taken over by a regent.
According to a 1937 law, the regent would be next in line to the throne, which is currently Prince William.
What is the current line of succession?
The king’s eldest son, Prince William, is first in line to the British throne.
He is followed by his three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
*With information from CNN International
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