Prince Harry traveling to UK to see his father as he undergoes cancer treatment
King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, leading to speculation and uncertainty among the public. According to one royal watcher, this health revelation raises more questions than it provides answers.
Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the 75-year-old monarch has been diagnosed with a type of cancer and has commenced treatment. However, the palace did not disclose the specific type of cancer, mentioning only that it is unrelated to his recent treatment for a benign prostate condition.
Related Post: Buckingham Palace says, King Charles diagnosed with cancer
“Once again, the palace is not being completely transparent, and that’s regrettable because it often leads to rampant speculation,” Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” told US Newzs Digital.
“Forget about releasing information slowly, just be transparent and get it over with,” he said. “If anyone is a public figure, it’s the king of England. As they say, the public has the right to know.”
The palace stated that “a separate issue of concern was identified” during Charles’ treatment for an enlarged prostate last month when he spent three nights in a London hospital.
“Diagnostic tests have revealed a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement.
The news comes shortly after his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate Middleton, recovered from planned abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition. The king and the Princess of Wales were treated at the same hospital.
The mother of three had been at The London Clinic for two weeks. The palace stated that she returned home to recuperate, although the 42-year-old was not observed leaving the hospital. Details regarding her departure were not disclosed. Charles was photographed walking outside the clinic with his wife, Queen Camilla, following his discharge from the procedure.
The Princess of Wales is expected to resume royal duties after Easter in late March.
“We are already curious about Kate’s medical issues – they seem serious – so why add to the royal mysteries?” Andersen said.
“We know that Charles isn’t battling prostate cancer but rather some form of cancer that was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate,” he said. “What specific type of cancer is the king facing? What exactly is the treatment plan? How advanced is the cancer and what is the prognosis? Charles III is the head of state for the UK and the Commonwealth, which includes nearly one-third of the world’s population.”
“There’s a significant element of irony here,” Andersen continued. “After waiting his entire life to ascend to the throne after his mother, the monarch, Charles is now facing cancer just 10 months after his coronation. Once again, we lack clarity on the severity of the situation. However, we ought to.”
According to the palace, as the king undergoes regular treatments, his doctors have advised him to postpone public duties.
“Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to fulfill State obligations and handle official paperwork as usual,” the statement reads. “The King expresses gratitude to his medical team for their prompt intervention, facilitated by his recent hospital procedure. He maintains a positive outlook on his treatment and anticipates returning to full public duty at the earliest opportunity.”
“His Majesty has opted to disclose his diagnosis to deter speculation and with the hope that it may aid public comprehension for all those worldwide who are impacted by cancer,” the statement added.
The UK and international media have closely followed the health of Britain’s senior royals in recent years. This began with the late queen’s diminishing public appearances in the final months of her 70-year reign and continued as Charles assumed the throne at an age when most of his peers were already retired.
Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, told Fox News Digital that the king’s diagnosis has sent shockwaves not only to royal watchers but also to the public.
“The king has led a purposeful life, paying attention to what he consumes and maintaining regular physical activity,” Schofield said. “He has delved into the benefits of farm-to-fork practices. He’s always been inquisitive and has applied the knowledge he gained to better himself and those around him. He’s been dedicated to his healthy lifestyle. This underscores the severity of cancer’s impact.”
Still, Schofield expressed her “surprise” at the “level of transparency” the palace has maintained thus far, noting that they could have chosen to keep the king’s diagnosis a secret.
“It is a somber yet intriguing day,” she added.
British royal expert Shannon Felton Spence told US Newzs Digital that “the health of monarchs has been shrouded in secrecy for centuries,” making the palace’s announcement an “extraordinary one.”
“The announcement showcases His Majesty’s dedication to a modern monarchy characterized by transparency and influence unlike any reign before him,” she said. “Regrettably, His Majesty didn’t ascend to the throne until his 70s. Nevertheless, his openness about his health challenges marks an essential stride for the institution.”
British broadcaster and commentator Jonathan Sacerdoti told US Newzs Digital that while the exact type of cancer discovered by doctors remains unknown, the news gives him hope for the king’s swift recovery.
“Often, early diagnosis of certain cancers can lead to more effective treatment,” said Sacerdoti. “We can only hope that this holds for the king. While he is scheduled to receive treatment as an outpatient, he is not expected to continue his public duties.”
“As far as we know, he was otherwise in relatively good health for his age and led an active life,” he said. “Hopefully, his medical treatment will facilitate his recovery. He has been warmly received as our monarch in the brief period since his mother’s passing, and the nation will be sending positive wishes and thoughts to him and the entire royal family.”
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told US Newzs Digital that the king returned to London from Sandringham, where he spent the weekend with Camilla, for his treatment. On Sunday, the king appeared in good spirits as he waved to well-wishers while heading to church.
“His hurried return adds a sense of urgency to the situation,” she said. “However, no indication has been given that this is anything immediately life-threatening.”
It is understood that Charles personally informed his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about the diagnosis. He also informed his siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, before the news was made public.
A source confirmed to US Newzs Digital that Harry, who resides in California, “will be traveling to the U.K. to visit His Majesty” in the coming days.
The king will continue to receive “red boxes,” the monarchy’s daily delivery of documents requiring his attention, as reported by People magazine. The outlet also noted that he will continue to handle state documents during his treatment. Currently, there are no plans to appoint counselors of state to act on the king’s behalf.
The king ascended to the throne following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. England’s longest-reigning monarch passed away in 2022 at the age of 96.