Britain’s King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday. The 75-year-old monarch will defer public duties while he undergoes medical treatment but looks forward to returning to full public duties as soon as possible.

Buckingham Palace said a “separate issue was noticed” during his recent hospital operation for benign prostatic hyperplasia, and subsequent diagnostic tests discovered “a type of cancer”. “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope that it will help the public understand all people living with cancer around the world,” the palace said in a statement yesterday.

Take a look back at the royal family’s disease history:

kate middleton

Kensington Palace said in January that the Princess of Wales was hospitalized for two weeks after successful abdominal surgery. “The operation was successful and she is expected to remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days before returning home to continue her recovery. In line with current medical advice, it is unlikely that she will return to official duties after Easter (March 31),” the Palace explain.

Sarah Ferguson

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, just months after undergoing treatment for breast cancer. A spokesman for the 64-year-old revealed that she discovered the disease after several moles were removed while undergoing treatment for breast cancer in June.

Doctors are currently evaluating whether melanoma is caught earlier. Her spokesman added: “She is undergoing further investigation to ensure the problem is caught at an early stage. It is distressing to be diagnosed so soon after undergoing treatment for breast cancer, but the Duchess remains in good spirits. ”

queen elizabeth ii

In October 2021, Queen Elizabeth II was hospitalized due to mental illness and weakness. Due to her deteriorating health, she was unable to attend public events. In February 2022, she developed mild cold-like symptoms and tested positive for Covid-19.

The longest-reigning British monarch passed away on September 8, 2022. Her old age was considered the cause of death.

Prince Philip

In April 2021, Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died of “old age” at the age of 99. The Duke of Edinburgh was in hospital receiving treatment for a pre-existing heart problem a month before his death.

princess margaret

Queen Elizabeth II’s only sibling, Princess Margaret, was diagnosed with multiple illnesses related to her heavy smoking and drinking later in life.

In January 1985, she had to have part of her left lung removed. Years after quitting smoking, she struggled with health problems, suffering multiple strokes, paralysis and vision problems, until her death in 2002.

Queen Mother

The Queen Mother died in 2002 at the age of 101 due to chronic hip problems and ulcers on her left leg, which limited her mobility in her later years.

king george vi

In 1952, King George VI died of heart failure. In 1951, he underwent major surgery to remove his left lung. However, a blood clot developed during the operation, causing a blockage in the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart.