King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday, just a week after he was discharged from hospital for prostate surgery.

Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. The discovery was made during a recent treatment for an enlarged prostate at a private London hospital, more than a week ago.

Thought to be prostate cancer, the type of cancer has not been revealed yet, but according to a palace statement, the King had begun "regular treatments." No further details were shared on the stage of cancer or the prognosis.

Following the announcement, the 75-year-old Charles's estranged son Prince Harry immediately made it known that he had spoken with the king about his diagnosis.

His younger son who now lives in California with his wife Meghan said he would travel to see his father in the UK over the coming days, a source close to Harry was quoted as saying by the PA news agency.

The King "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," added the statement.


He will postpone his public duties, and it is expected that other senior royals will stand in for him during the time of his treatment.

Although he will stop attending public events, the 75-year-old will keep his constitutional role as head of state.

The King had chosen to go public about his treatment with hopes of encouraging men to get prostate checks, the palace stated at the time.

The palace added that Charles had decided to share his cancer diagnosis "to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer".

He was said to have been delighted to have raised awareness about the issue, with the NHS website reporting a surge in prostate-related health issues.