What cancer does King Charles have? What we know about his health condition

6 February 2024, 11:07 | Updated: 6 February 2024, 14:44

By Alice Dear

Buckingham Palace has confirmed the monarch is having treatment for cancer - here's what we know about his illness so far.

King Charles III, who is aged 75-years-old, has been diagnosed with cancer and will be undertaking treatment over the next few weeks.

Prince William and Prince Harry's father was diagnosed with the disease during a procedure for a benign prostate enlargement, however, the cancer is said to not be of the prostate.

With Kate Middleton also recently undergoing abdominal surgery, it's been a tough few weeks health wise for the royal family.

• Read more: Prince Harry to visit King Charles after cancer diagnosis
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The statement from Buckingham Palace explains that it was during the King's recent hospital procedure for his prostate that a "separate issue of concern" was noted by his doctors, they add that "subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer".

Here's everything we know about King Charles's health condition so far.

What cancer does King Charles have?

Both the monarch, the royal family and Buckingham Palace have remained quiet on the exact type of cancer King Charles has in order for him to maintain his privacy while undergoing treatment.

We do, however, know it is "not prostate cancer" as the statement confirmed that His Majesty wouldn't be releasing any further details on his health condition at this moment.

Is King Charles's cancer linked to his treatment for an enlarged prostate?

Following Kate's announcement of abdominal surgery, King Charles also confirmed he was having treatment for an enlarged prostate which has led many to believe this and his cancer diagnosis are linked.

Officials have confirmed it's not prostate cancer but also said his time in hospital led to his cancer diagnosis.

The statement from Buckingham Palace read: "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer."

He spent three nights at the London Clinic private hospital, after undergoing a "corrective procedure".

How is King Charles now?

Following the diagnosis, Queen Camilla's husband has been removed from public royal duties and will begin regular treatment, which is believed to be happening at the palace rather than hospital.

At the time of confirming his health condition, it was said King Charles is "grateful" and remains "wholly positive".

Throughout this time, Charles III will continue his State business and official paperwork as usual while it's believed Prince William, the next in line to the throne, will step up.

Prince Harry is also due to fly back to the UK.

Buckingham Palace ended his statement by saying: "He looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."