UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says King Charles III’s cancer was ‘caught early’

London:

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday that King Charles III’s cancer was discovered early when he began treatment just 18 months into his reign.

Buckingham Palace did not specify the type of cancer the 75-year-old monarch, who no longer makes public appearances but continues to perform other official state duties, has.

The shocking news immediately sparked a flood of messages of support, with King Charles’ estranged son Prince Harry saying he had spoken to his father and would visit him soon.

King Charles’ diagnosis will prolong a shortage of royals on the frontline caused by the near-simultaneous hospitalization of King Charles’ prostate surgery and Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Rishi Sunak told the BBC: “Thankfully the condition was caught early and everyone now hopes he gets the treatment he needs and makes a full recovery.”

“I think that’s what we all hope and pray for, and of course I’m in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as usual,” he added.

King Charles, who succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022, is reported to be in generally good health, aside from polo and skiing injuries.

But 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”.

Sunak said: “Many families across the country hearing this news will be touched by the same thing and know how much it means to everyone.”

“So we would be willing to let him continue and hopefully we can get through this quickly.”

The palace said doctors have advised King Charles to postpone any engagements, although he will continue to “conduct state affairs and official paperwork as usual”.

The statement added that the king “remains fully positive” and “looks forward to returning to full public duties as soon as possible”.

Shocking announcement

King Charles won praise last month for going public about his benign prostate condition, and doctors said more members of the public subsequently developed symptoms.

He was discharged from a London hospital on January 29, three days after undergoing corrective surgery.

Buckingham Palace added that the king had chosen to share his cancer diagnosis “to prevent speculation and in the hope that it will help the public understand all those affected by cancer around the world”.

Since the royal family’s statement, messages have been pouring in wishing King Charles a speedy recovery.

French President Emmanuel Macron wished King Charles a “speedy recovery” on Sunday, adding: “Our thoughts are with the British people.”

US President Joe Biden said he was “concerned” about King Charles, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he and the country were “thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer.”

“All Australians would like to send King Charles our best wishes for a speedy recovery,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters.

People in London expressed shock and sympathy at the news.

Sarah Firisen, 55, a software salesperson, said: “I’m not happy to hear that someone has been diagnosed with cancer. I feel a little sad for him. He’s been waiting all these years to be king. .”

keep calm and carry on

The diagnosis will prolong a shortage of royals on the frontline caused by King Charles’ prostate surgery and the near-simultaneous hospitalization of Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Catherine, 42, who is married to King Charles’ son and heir to the throne Prince William, underwent abdominal surgery at the same hospital where the king was treated.

She left on the same day as King Charles after staying for about two weeks and may not return to official duties until the end of March.

Her husband William, 41, has also temporarily withdrawn from planned events to help care for their three children, although he is expected to return to royal duties this week.

As Catherine underwent surgery, Kensington Palace stressed that her condition was not cancer-related but did not elaborate.

Their absence leaves King Charles’ 76-year-old second wife Queen Camilla as the most visible face of the royal family.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)