King Charles Speaks Out for First Time Following Cancer Diagnosis

Buckingham Palace announced on February 5 that the king had been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for a benign prostate enlargement

King Charles makes his first public statement since announcing his cancer diagnosis.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday, the 75-year-old monarch expressed his gratitude for all the well-wishes he has received following the news of his health.

“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the many messages of support and well wishes I have received in recent days,” the king said in a statement. “As all those who have been affected by cancer know, such good thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”

“It is equally encouraging to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped to promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations who support cancer patients and their families across the UK and beyond,” the statement continued. “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my personal experience.”

The update comes after the palace announced on February 5 that the king had been diagnosed with cancer. The palace released the statement a week after King Charles left a London clinic following a three-day stay after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate on January 26. However, he does not have prostate cancer.

“During the King’s recent hospital procedure for a benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests identified a form of cancer,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

“His Majesty has today begun a schedule of regular treatments, during which time his doctors have advised him to postpone public duties. During this period, His Majesty will continue to carry out government business and official paperwork as usual,” it continued.

King Charles and Queen Camilla, accompanied by the Reverend Canon Dr Paul Williams, attend Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene on February 4.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

King Charles’ cancer was ‘caught early’, British PM says

“The King is grateful to his medical team for their prompt intervention, which was made possible by his recent hospital procedure. He remains completely positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” the statement said. . “His Majesty has decided to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope of helping to increase public understanding for those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

The announcement came a day after World Cancer Day, which was marked by the royal family social media recapping Queen Camilla’s trip to the opening of the new Maggie’s Royal Free Cancer Support Center at the Royal Free Hospital in London the week before.

PEOPLE understands King Charles told his sons Prince William and Prince Harry about the diagnosis himself. The source said William, 41, has been in regular contact with his father, while Harry, 39, who moved to California with wife Meghan Markle in 2020, is due to travel to the UK in the coming days.

The king also personally informed his siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, before the news was announced.

The monarch has stepped back from public duties amid recovery from prostate surgery, and it remains unclear when he will return to royal engagements. PEOPLE understands they will continue to receive red boxes, the monarch’s daily delivery of documents that require his attention, and process government documents during treatment.

King Charles leaves the Scottish Coronation celebrations at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 5, 2023.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Buckingham Palace shares new photo of King Charles amid cancer diagnosis

There are currently no plans to appoint advisers of state on behalf of King Charles, and Prince William is not expected to act as regent. The Prince of Wales, however, may take on some duties for his father with his engagement diary, PEOPLE understands.

King Charles returned to London from Sandringham on February 5 to begin outpatient treatment.

That Sunday, he went out to St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham with Queen Camilla, 76. The appearance marked the monarch’s first outing since leaving hospital on January 29 following prostate treatment. The king appeared to be in good spirits when he left the London clinic, and he waved as he left the private hospital where Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery on January 16.

King Charles and Queen Camilla leave the London Clinic on January 29.

Karwai Tang/WireImage

On January 17, Buckingham Palace announced that the monarch was seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate – hours after Kensington Palace revealed that the Princess of Wales, 42, had undergone “successful” surgery the day before.

“Like thousands of men every year, Kralj sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will go to the hospital next week for a corrective procedure,” the palace said in a statement. “The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recovery.”

King Charles revealed his diagnosis in the hope it would encourage men to get screened, and his decision has proved to have an impact. Following its publication, there was a 1,000% increase in prostate enlargement searches on the UK National Health Service website.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to receive the latest news on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

King Charles at the launch of the Coronation Food project on 14 November 2023; Kate Middleton at the Grange Pavilion to meet members of Windrush Cymru Elders during the launch of Black History Month on 3 October 2023.

Samir Husein/WireImage; Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

PEOPLE knows King Charles visited his daughter-in-law Princess Kate at a London clinic before his own surgery. Kensington Palace said in a statement released on January 17 that the Princess of Wales, 42, is expected to remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days after the “successful” operation before heading home to continue her recovery.

PEOPLE understands Kate’s problem is not cancerous, with a statement from Kensington Palace saying: “Based on current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties before Easter.”

Palace sources told PEOPLE that the Princess of Wales is “doing well,” and Kensington Palace said she is “doing well” after being released from the hospital on Jan. 29.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education