Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement on Monday, February 5 that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer. The 75-year-old Charles recently underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate last month.

A statement from the Palace posted to social media read as follows: “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.”

The palace did not offer further details on the type of cancer that King Charles was diagnosed with, nor did they share what stage the cancer is. The King was last seen publicly attending church on Sunday with Queen Camilla at St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham, marking the monarch’s first outing since leaving the hospital on Jan. 29 following a three-day stay after his prostate procedure. King Charles returned to London from Sandringham on Monday to commence treatment as an out-patient.

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