GET WELL SOON
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KING Charles has been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer that was spotted during his prostate operation.
In a shock update on Monday, Buckingham Palace confirmed the King has been diagnosed with the illness after he spent three nights in hospital last month.
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The monarch, 75, today began a schedule of regular treatments and postponed front line duties on the advice of doctors.
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Tourists and locals outside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday morning shared their sadness.
Lisa Nash, 61, told PA: "My thoughts are with him and to go through something like cancer but in the public eye is pretty something, so I'm pleased that he's given people snippets of information but I'm quite glad that he's going to keep the rest of it private.
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"I think for his own peace of mind, he needs to be doing that, it's enough of a struggle as it is but I wish him well and I'm sure he'll pull through and things will be fine."
Ms Nash added: "I love the royal family. I think they do a lot for this country and they will continue to do so, they'll just pull together and hopefully take some of the burden off of him and he can concentrate on getting better."
Martin Harris, 43, from Northampton, said: "Obviously it's a shame for the family more than anything. You think of the family like you would do your own family, yes it's a shame for us but it is for them more than us really."
He added: "Also it's good that they've found it early."
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Justin Haden, 52, from Canada, said the news was "sad" and he hoped the King would "make a recovery".
Reacting to the announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was left "shocked and sad".
Prince Harry arrives at LAX ahead of travelling to the UK to support King Charles after speaking to him about cancer diagnosis
The PM said he is thankful the illness was "caught early", and hopes the monarch makes a speedy recovery.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "All our thoughts are with him and his family."
He added everyone will be wishing the King "gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery".
The PM said: "That's what we're all hoping and praying for, and I'm of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal.
"I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well."
It comes after King Charles, 75, was admitted to The London Clinic on January 26 for corrective prostate surgery.
What we know so far:
- The King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer
- Prince Harry rushed to the airport in LA to fly home to support his father
- Meghan will remain in California with their children
- The King personally called his siblings and children to tell them of his diagnosis
- Charles is receiving expert care from specialist doctors
- His Majesty returned from Sandringham to London to begin treatment
- Doctors advised the King to postpone public-facing Royal duties
- Camilla and William will step up to share the weight of the King's duties during his treatment
- Charles will continue to receive Red Boxes and State documents
- Charles and Camilla shared a cancer message just a day before announcing his diagnosis
His Majesty was due to stay in hospital for two nights - but his stint was extended by 24 hours.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the news at 6pm on Monday evening after a "separate issue of concern was noted" during His Majesty's hospital stay.
In a shock announcement on Monday, a Buckingham Palace spokesman stated: "Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
"Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
"He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."
How King Charles bravely revealed diagnosis to help others
KING Charles has bravely broken with royal protocol by sharing his cancer diagnosis.
Senior royals have in past been tight-lipped about their health battles.
The last top royal diagnosed with cancer was Charles's grandfather George VI.
Heavy smoker George had his left lung removed for "structural abnormalities" in September 1951, months before he died.
The "abnormalities" were actually a life-threatening carcinoma, but the public never learned about George's cancer ordeal.
Buckingham Palace said Charles wanted to share his cancer diagnosis to boost "public understanding" for cancer patients worldwide.
It remains unclear when the King will resume full-time public appearances but has postponed front line duties on doctor's advice.
However Charles will continue with his red boxes, weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, and monthly Privy Council meetings, but they may have to be scaled back on the advice of doctors.
His Majesty carried out a staggering 516 engagements last year, including 94 trips abroad.
In the meantime, other Royals, including the Queen and the Prince of Wales will continue with a full programme of public duties.
Provisions for Counsellors of State are made under the Regency Acts 1937 to 1953 and those who can currently stand in for Charles include Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice.
However, the House of Lords heard only "working members" of the royal family would be called upon to act as Counsellors of State.
In 2022, the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, and sister the Princess Royal as extra Counsellors of State.
This means they too can deputise for him if need be, and the addition was fast-tracked into law.
The Monarch and Queen Camilla were expected to visit Canada in May, and Australia, New Zealand and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October.
However there is now speculation Prince William may have to step in for the King, who is head of the Commonwealth, at CHOGM.
Other trips could be postponed depending on how the King's health progresses.
William could also be seen playing a key role at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey at the start of March and the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.
The prince is set to carry out an investiture at Windsor Castle on Wednesday - one of his own regular duties - and attend the London Air Ambulance annual fundraising evening gala in central London in his role as patron of the charity.
His return to royal duties will be seen as an attempt to signal stability within the monarchy after he took a step back while Princess Kate was in hospital for a planned abdominal surgery.
ARTHUR EDWARDS: King Charles has been there for so many people over the decades – now it’s time for the nation to be there for him
LIKE me the nation will be in deep shock at the news that King Charles has cancer - because he is the healthiest man I know.
For the past forty years I have tried to keep up with our monarch as he shakes countless hands, travels across the globe and meets assorted dignitaries.
I must confess that I have not been able to match him for stamina or pace on Royal tours.
Charles works out every evening, loves nothing more than walking across Balmoral’s glorious hillsides in Scotland and only eats organic food, often grown by himself.
The King is incredibly disciplined about his diet.
He doesn’t eat lunch, choosing to go from breakfast to dinner without a proper meal.
There is little doubt that His Majesty will receive the best medical care in the world and I am hopeful that his consultants have caught whatever cancer it is early.
If anyone can get the better of this insidious illness, it is Charles.
The mum-of-three, 42, was admitted on January 16 for the op and is expected to resume Royal duties by Easter.
It comes as Prince Harry was spotted at Los Angeles International airport as he makes his way to the UK today to be with his father.
The Duke of Sussex, who was informed of the news personally by the Monarch, was seen arriving into a private terminal at LAX in his black Range Rover.
He is due to land in the UK around midday today to be with King Charles, 75, as soon as possible.
KING’S BATTLES
Inside Charles' tumultuous 18 months from the Queen’s death to his cancer diagnosis and prostate op as King suffers ‘huge shock in short reign’
September 8 2022 - The world was left in mourning after Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle.
September 19 2022 - The stoic King led his family, marching behind the Queen's coffin from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey, at her funeral.
January 2023 - The Monarch deals with the fall out following Prince Harry's bombshell memoir Spare - in which the Duke blasted the Royal Family.
April 2023 - Harry has a "heart-to-heart" talk with his dad before agreeing to come to the Coronation in London
May 6 2023 - Charles is crowned King at his Coronation at Westminster Abbey.
September 2023 - Harry rejects an offer to spend the anniversary of the Queen’s death at Balmoral with his father.
November 2023 - The King celebrates his 75th birthday with a gathering of close family and friends at Clarence House.
January 17 2024 - Buckingham Palace announces His Majesty will be undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Just hours previous it was also revealed Princess Kate had been admitted to hospital for a pre-planned abdominal surgery.
January 26 2024 - The King is admitted to The London Clinic - where Princess Kate was also staying.
January 29 2024 - Charles waves as he leaves the hospital following a three day stay and being given the all clear.
It was understood the Monarch would take a month to recover after the surgery as Queen Camilla stands in during public appearances.
February 5 2024 - Buckingham Palace announces a form of cancer was diagnosed during the King's prostate op.
The statement confirms Charles has begun a schedule of regular treatments and "remains wholly positive".
He will also be postponing front line duties on doctor's advice but continue with his red boxes, weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, and monthly Privy Council meetings.
February 6 2024 - Prince Harry flies to the UK to be with his father as royal experts claim their four-year rift could be put aside.
The Duke of Sussex, who was informed of the news personally by the Monarch, was seen arriving into a private terminal at LAX in his black Range Rover.
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