At 6pm on Monday February 5 Buckingham Palace put out a statement confirming that King Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
The discovery had been made while he was undergoing treatment for a benign enlarged prostate, although it is not thought that the two conditions are connected as it is not prostate cancer.
Before the news was made public the King personally informed a handful of close family members, including his youngest son Prince Harry.
The Prince is currently living in Montecito, California with his young family, however it is understood he has now boarded a plane back to the UK to be with his father at this difficult time.
This move has led to hopes of a royal reconciliation, as the relationship between Harry and his father has been strained ever since he and Meghan quit royal life for a new start in the US.
The Duke of Sussex is no longer a working royal, however with the King now out of action and a possible easing of tensions it has been speculated that he could take up some duties again.
The number of working royals has been diminished as the King and Princess Kate have battled health woes, with the Princess currently recovering from major abdominal surgery at home in Windsor.
She is not expected to be back at work until Easter at the earliest, with many royal engagements having to be postponed until later in the year.
The Counsellors of State are ready to be called on when the monarch is incapacitated, with Queen Camilla and Prince William expected to hold the fort for the time being.
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