Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, following recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. 

Although the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, it has been confirmed that it is not prostate cancer.

The monarch, aged 75, has commenced “regular treatments” as of Monday and will temporarily step back from his public duties during this period, according to the Palace. However, he remains optimistic about his treatment and looks forward to resuming his full public duties as soon as possible.

Details regarding the stage of the cancer or a prognosis have not been shared. King Charles personally informed his sons about his diagnosis, with the Prince of Wales maintaining regular contact with his father. Prince Harry, who resides in the United States, will be traveling to the UK to visit his father in the coming days.

King Charles, who returned to London from Sandringham on Monday morning, has begun outpatient treatment. While he will pause his public engagements, he will continue to fulfill his constitutional role as head of state, including handling paperwork and holding private meetings.

Despite his health condition, the King will maintain his weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with in-person meetings unless advised otherwise by his doctors. In the event that he is unable to carry out official duties, there are constitutional provisions for appointing “counsellors of state” to stand in for him.