On Monday, King Charles III revealed he is battling cancer and will step back from public duties while undergoing treatment. The palace has not disclosed the type of cancer.
Charles became king in September 2022 following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled for seven decades.
Breaking tradition: The royals are famously discreet when it comes to health matters. Charles’ grandfather George VI had his lung removed for supposed “structural abnormalities” that were actually carcinoma. George’s doctors withheld his diagnosis from the public and even the king himself.
In contrast, Charles has been open about his surgery for an enlarged prostate – which reportedly encouraged more Brits to seek checkups – and divulged his cancer treatment “to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
His eldest son and heir, William, has said he is resuming his public engagements – following his wife’s recent abdominal surgery – while his father is in treatment. Meanwhile, his estranged son, Harry, is returning to the UK to be with his father.