On Monday, February 5, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer. The cancer was detected following tests in the King’s recovery from an enlarged prostate. While the palace will not divulge any specifics, they have ruled out prostate cancer as a diagnosis.
The statement from the castle reported that King Charles would be stepping out of the public eye. However, it says, “He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
It was also noted that the diagnosis was only shared to prevent speculation and to help foster understanding for those affected by cancer worldwide.
Following the public statement, Prince Harry arrived in the UK on February 6. Fox News Digital reported that he was seen entering Clarence House, the London residence of the king, on Tuesday.
“I certainly think we’re seeing a real thawing in the relations between Charles and his son,” Katie Nicholl, a royal expert and author, told Entertainment Tonight following the Prince’s visit.
Prince Harry did not meet with his brother Prince Willaim during this time and departed for California one day later. However, the elder has been more active following his father’s diagnosis, shouldering more duties as the King takes a break from the public eye.
“While the king is undergoing his medical treatment, Prince William will no doubt need to step up to shoulder more responsibilities, even while [Princess] Catherine is herself recovering from health problems,” said royal expert Johnathan Sacerdoti to Fox News Digital.
The prince publicly appeared on February 7, arriving at a gala for London’s Air Ambulance Charity. At the event, Prince William gave a speech where he addressed his father’s cancer announcement as well as his wife, Princess Catherine’s, recovery from abdominal surgery.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all,” he said.
Other members of the royal family have also commented on the diagnosis, with Queen Camilla speaking out on Thursday, February 8, stating, “He’s doing extremely well under the circumstances, he’s very touched by all the letters and the messages the public have been sending from everywhere – that’s very cheering.”
Many have sent their best wishes to King Charles III following his diagnosis. “My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening,” said Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, following the statement on February 5. “I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan.” (Get well soon).
