British monarch King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace revealed on Feb. 5.
The 75-year-old royal was admitted to the hospital for an enlarged prostate last week, according to the palace. "During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted," the palace said in a statement. "Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
Charles was discharged from the hospital where doctors discovered his cancer last week.
Exactly what type of cancer the monarch has, as well as its stage, has not yet been revealed at this time. The palace did specify, however, that Charles does not have prostate cancer. The statement added: “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention,” the statement continued, “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.”
Charles was coronated in May of 2023, following the 2022 death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96.
Charles awarded K-pop group Blackpink with honorary Order of the British Empire medals in 2023.
Though he has only been king for a short time, Charles has had a number of encounters with musicians, both British and otherwise, since his coronation. Queen guitarist Brian May was officially knighted by Charles last May.
In November of 2023, Charles bestowed honorary Order of the British Empire Medals on South Korean pop superstars Blackpink during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Queen guitarist Brian May was knighted by Charles last May.
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This past January, Buckingham Palace announced its New Year Honours List, with a plethora of British artists set to receive royal accolades for their services to the UK over the current year. Among them were Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, who is set to receive a knighthood, as well as an OBE honor for pop star Leona Lewis, and a Member of the Order of Companions of Honor appointment for James Bond songstress Shirley Bassey.
