King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, the royal family announced Monday.
Buckingham Palace did not say exactly what type of cancer the 75-year-old monarch was battling.
“During the king’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the family said in a statement published online. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
Charles was hospitalized Jan. 26 for the prostate procedure. He walked out three days later alongside Queen Camilla.
The king will receive regular treatment as an outpatient, according to Buckingham Palace. He had his first treatment session Monday.
Doctors advised Charles to limit public-facing appearances, one day after he attended church service in Sandringham. Other royals are expected to stand in for him.
“Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual,” the statement read. “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.”
Charles informed his sons personally of the diagnosis, according to the BBC. Prince Harry is expected to fly from the U.S. to the U.K. and meet with his father.
The royal family’s schedule of public appearances is likely to significantly change in upcoming months, as both Charles and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, are unable to attend scheduled engagements. The princess is recovering from abdominal surgery, and she departed the hospital on the same day Charles did.
Prince William had planned to step back from public duties to care for his and Kate’s three children, but the prince announced Monday that he would be back in the public sphere while his father battles cancer.
Charles was diagnosed with cancer less than 18 months into his reign. He was next in line for the throne for 70 years while his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, ruled.
“Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery,” U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote on social media. “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.”
