King Charles’s cancer diagnosis even came as a “shock” to those most closest to him, an insider has revealed.
A statement confirmed that the 75-year-old monarch, who only ascended the throne in September 2022, had been diagnosed with “a form of cancer” on Monday, February 5.
Buckingham Palace’s statement read: “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 statement shared very little details, although did mention that when the monarch underwent his prostate treatment last month, that a separate issue was detected.
Although the palace have remained tight-lipped about the King’s type of cancer, a spokesperson confirmed that it is not prostate cancer.
According to PEOPLE, an insider claimed that they were very shocked to learn of his diagnosis.
The palace insider said: “I was very shocked when I heard it.”
Another source said; “He has not looked himself. I put it down to grief – he’d had two deaths close together [his mother, the late Queen in September 2022 and his father, Prince Philip in April 2021].
“But maybe he wasn’t well, without realising so. It would take it out of him.”
Speaking of whether or not we are likely to find out more about the King’s diagnosis, royal author Robert Hardman believes that we may “in time”.
The author – who penned his book ‘The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy’ – said: “In time we might know. But for now, there is a feeling that they have been pretty open [about it].”
The King is known to have already began “regular treatments” and, despite his diagnosis, is feeling “wholly positive”.
The monarch is undoubtedly taking some time away from public facing duties, but is known to be continuing stately duties.
According to the palace statement released on February 5, the King is “looking foward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”.
Since news was made public, Prince Harry even flew in from the US to visit his father on Tuesday, but is already – just one day later – on his way back to America.
