King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer

Here's everything we know so far

King Charles cancer diagnosis
King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer

The specific type has not been disclosed. However, it was clarified that it is not prostate cancer, as has been speculated since the King’s recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

In the UK, one in two people will develop a form of cancer in their lifetime.

Here's everything we know

  • The condition was revealed during a recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
  • The Palace has confirmed it is not prostrate cancer, and it is not thought to be related to his recent stay in hospital.
  • According to the NHS, there are more than 200 different types of cancer.
  • The four most common types are breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and bowel cancer.
  • The 75-year-old King began “regular treatments” on Monday and will step back from public duties while undergoing treatment.
  • According to a release from the Palace, “he remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
  • The King will continue with his constitutional role as head of state.
  • However, in the event that the head of state is unable to fulfill official duties, a constitutional provision allows for the appointment of “counsellors of state” to act on behalf of the monarch.
  • These “counsellors of state” include Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward.
  • As they are non-working royals, Prince Harry and the Duke of York will not be called upon.
  • Prince Harry is planning to return to the UK from the United States to visit his father today

We will continue to update this story.

Mischa Anouk Smith
News and Features Editor

Mischa Anouk Smith is the News and Features Editor of Marie Claire UK.

From personal essays to purpose-driven stories, reported studies, and interviews with celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and designers including Dries Van Noten, Mischa has been featured in publications such as Refinery29, Stylist and Dazed. Her work explores what it means to be a woman today and sits at the intersection of culture and style. In the spirit of eclecticism, she has also written about NFTs, mental health and the rise of AI bands.