King Charles is diagnosed with cancer after separate issue was detected during prostate op last month

KING Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said a "separate issue of concern was noted" after he underwent a prostate operation last month.

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Tests carried out have revealed "a form of cancer", the palace said.

The King, 75, today began a schedule of regular treatments and postponed front line duties on doctors advice.

Today's announcement comes just eight days after he was released from hospital following a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate.

In a Buckingham Palace statement: "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.

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.

"Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.

"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 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."

Reacting to the announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.

"I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well."

Charles announced on Wednesday, January 17, that he had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and was set to go to hospital.

The palace said his condition was "benign" and he would undergo "a corrective procedure".

A spokesman said: "In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.

"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.

"The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."

Sources close to the King said at the time he was keen to share his diagnoses to encourage other men suffering symptoms to seek medical advice.

The announcement sparked 26,170 visits to the enlarged prostate page on the NHS website compared to a daily average of 1,400 earlier in the week.

Camilla said Charles was "fine" and "looking forward to getting back to work" as she spoke in Aberdeen during an official visit to an art gallery 24 hours later.

He spent two nights at Birkhall, on Balmoral estate, with Camilla cancelling her flight back to England after her engagement, to stay with her husband.

Charles was under doctor's orders to rest and he relaxed at Sandringham until travelling to London the night before his hospital appointment.

Although he skipped church days later, he was seen driving himself around his Sandringham Estate where he has been recuperating over the weekend.

He was accompanied by Camilla ahead of his procedure at the London Clinic on January 26.

Buckingham Palace said at the time: "The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment.

"His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week.

"He is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness."

The surgery was labelled a success and as Camilla left the clinic she told reporters "he's fine, thank you".

The Queen visited her husband twice a day while he was in hospital.

His Majesty was due to spend just two nights in hospital but was kept in for three.

He walked out of The London Clinic last Monday with Camilla by his side.

A palace spokesman said: "The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation.

"He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days."

Within days of his release, sources revealed the King had already returned to dealing with his government Red Boxes fulfilling his constitutional role.

'DOING HIS BEST'

Opening a cancer care centre on Wednesday January 31, Camilla revealed the King was "getting on" and "doing his best".

Asked during an engagement in Bath on February 1, if the King was safely resting at home after his procedure, Camilla replied: "Yes, he’s recovering well thank you."

On Sunday, the King was pictured smiling and waving as he walked to church at Sandringham - his first sighting since leaving hospital.

The palace previously said his engagements would be postponed for a month in order for the King to recuperate.

It is unclear if this will change following this evening's announcement.

Charles' health scare was revealed the same day Kensington Palace announced Princess Kate had undergone an abdominal surgery.

The Princess of Wales underwent the planned operation on January 16.

Kensington Palace announced on January 17 that Kate had undergone the surgery, which is understood not to relate to cancer.

Prince William visited Kate at the London Clinic every day following her surgery.

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