One day after this photo was taken, King Charles' entire world changed
By Kate Kachor|
As King Charles strode in step with his wife Queen Camilla to Sunday mass in the English countryside he raised an hand and waved to awaiting well-wishers.
?It was February 4 when the royals walked to a church service near Sandringham, one of his first public outings following a three-day planned hospital stay. Two days later Buckingham Palace announced he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
?Royal experts have labelled Charles' decision to publicly share his diagnosis as "unprecedented". For centuries, royals have kept their health battles private.
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"In the past, if the royals have had cancer, we haven't been told about it," Camilla Tominey, Associate Editor at the Telegraph, told Today.
"[It's] quite unprecedented for Buckingham Palace to be this honest about what the King has been diagnosed with."
So what exactly does the King's diagnosis mean? Here's everything we know so far.?
King Charles III's cancer diagnosis?
Buckingham Palace first published a statement about Charles' diagnosis to the Royal Family's Instagram account late Monday February 5 (5am AEDT Tuesday).
"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted," the statement read.
"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."
The statement said His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
READ MORE: Harry to fly to UK to be at Charles' side after cancer diagnosis
"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure," it read.
"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."?
The Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers says Charles personally informed his close family members of his diagnosis.
"I'm told as well by people close to Harry that the King did call him personally, as he did his siblings and Prince William as well," Myers said.
"Harry is flying over in the coming days and this is obviously on the backdrop of some incredibly fractious times for Harry and the rest of the family.
READ MORE: William expected to return to duties following Charles' cancer diagnosis?
King Charles health before cancer diagnosed
?The specifics of the 75-year-old royal's health before his cancer diagnosis are not publicly known.
What is known is that His Majesty spent three days in a London hospital last month for a planned procedure for benign prostate enlargement.
Charles' cancer diagnosis was discovered during his recent hospital stay.
"Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," the Palace statement read.
"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties."
What type of cancer does King Charles have??
This is not yet publicly known. All Buckingham Palace have shared is that Charles does not have prostate cancer. No other details have been released on the matter.
"No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible, a Palace spokesperson said.
It should be noted that it is highly unusual for the Palace to release any personal health details of a British monarch.
"In the past, if the royals have had cancer, we haven't been told about it," Camilla Tominey, Associate Editor at the Telegraph, told Today on Tuesday morning.
READ MORE: King's diagnosis could be the bridge Harry and William need to mend bitter rift?
"[It's] quite unprecedented for Buckingham Palace to be this honest about what the King has been diagnosed with."
Charles elected to make his diagnosis public ?once his schedule of treatment had begun given that, as Prince of Wales, he was patron of a number of cancer-related charities.
"In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them, a Palace spokesperson said.
What treatment is King Charles receiving??
Specific details about Charles' treatment have not been made public.
UK media reports he is receiving expert appropriate care from a specialist team.
"His Majesty returned from Sandringham to London this morning to commence treatment as an out-patient. He remains at home in London this evening," the Palace spokesperson said.
Does King Charles have prostate cancer??
No, the form of illness Charles has been diagnosed with is not prostate cancer.
The exact form of his cancer? has not been made public.
?"His Majesty has been treated for benign prostate enlargement," a Palace spokesperson said.
"It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. This second condition will now receive appropriate treatment."
Who is next in line to the British throne??
William, the Prince of Wales, is heir to the British throne.
He is expected to return to royal duties earlier than planned following his father's shock cancer diagnosis.
William had reduced his workload following the Princess of Wales' planned abdominal surgery?. He will reportedly resume royal duties on Wednesday.???
How will cancer affect King Charles??
This is not entirely clear. At this stage, Charles will continue certain royal duties during his treatment.?
Former palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter told Today the palace is yet to move any engagements planned for February.
Charles will continue official duties including opening new sessions of parliament, approving Orders and Proclamations through the Privy Council, his weekly meetings with the prime minister and attending to documents in the famous Red Box.
Arbiter says the red boxes remain of the upmost importance.
"This is part of his constitutional role, that he deals with state papers and that he is able to do [so] without any hindrance, irrespective of what is wrong with him," he said.
Earlier today Charles issued an apology to royal supporters for any changes to his upcoming public engagements.
"His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence," the statement, issued through the Palace, said.
How long has Charles been the King of England??
Charles was proclaimed King Charles III at his coronation ceremony in May 2023.?
As the longest serving British heir apparent, he was elevated to crown following his mother, Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022.?
