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King Charles has announced he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer© Buckingham Palace

King Charles diagnosed with cancer: Queen Camilla to 'support' monarch through diagnosis

The monarch announced his diagnosis following a routine prostate check

Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
Updated: February 5, 2024
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All we know following the King's cancer diagnosis:

Deputy Online Editor

We are signing off now, please keep an eye on our website to see more updates on King Charles.

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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

Harry's trip to UK will be solo one

While it was known that Harry would come to the UK to visit his father, it was unclear as to whether he'd be joined by Meghan Markle and the pair's two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. It has now been confirmed that only Harry will make the trip from Montecito, which is expected in the coming days.

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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

View of Buckingham Palace tonight

It's been a monumentous day, and yet Buckingham Palace looks relatively calm tonight. The royal standard flies across the Palace, meaning the King is currently resident. A host of journalists are gathered nearby, while tourists also wait to grab a photo outside of the iconic building.

Exterior shot of Buckingham Palace© Leon Neal
Exterior of Buckingham Palce
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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

How Queen Camilla will support Charles through his diagnosis

Queen Camilla will no doubt be at her husband's side during this time. HELLO!'s royal editor, Emily Nash, explains: "The Queen will be a tower of strength for the King as he goes through cancer treatment. She understands the issue well from her work with Maggie's cancer centres and she will be at his side every step of the way."

To read more, click here.

Charles and Camilla look at each other as they reopen the newly-renovated Edwardian community hall The Strand Hall© Getty
Camilla will be supporting Charles
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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

King Charles apologises for missing events

Even though the nation will be holding the King in their thoughts, Charles has apologised for the fact that he will be missing in-person event. A Palace spokesperson said: "His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence."

King Charles wearing brown coat to church© Getty
Charles will be missing in-person events
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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

Might the King abdicate?

Speculation has arisen as to whether Charles might abdicate following his health news, but nothing has been confirmed. If the 75-year-old were to abdicate, he would be succeeded by his son, Prince William, 41, with Princess Kate becoming the Queen Consort. This would also make William's eldest child, Prince George, their heir apparent.

Read more about what the King's abdication might mean.

Royals walking to church on Christmas Day© Getty
If Charles abdicates, this would lead the way to William becoming King
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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

Political leaders react to King's health news

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has wished the King a "speedy recovery". Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Conservative Party leader said: "Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well."

The Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer added: "On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health."

President Joe Biden said he was "concerned" upon hearing about the King's health, and said he hoped he would "talk" to the monarch soon.

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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

Timeline of King's recent health

Wednesday 17th January - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. 

Thursday 25th January - The King carried out behind-the-scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment.

Friday 26th January - The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital.

Monday 29th January - The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. 

Wednesday 31st January - Camilla says the King is "getting on, doing his best" as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. 

Sunday 4th February - The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. 

Monday 5th February - At 6pm, Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind-the-scenes state business and official papers.

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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

How will the King be treated?

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles has already started "a schedule of regular treatments". This is likely to involve chemotherapy, but as the monarch will be treated as an "outpatient" he will not need to stay in hospital during his treatment.

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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

William and Charles in 'regular contact'

Alongside Harry's upcoming visit, HELLO! understands that Prince William and King Charles are in "regular contact". It was confirmed last week, that William would be returning to his regular royal duties this week after the Prince of Wales took time off to look after his wife, Princess Kate.

King Charles and Prince William in feathered caps© Pool
William will be supporting his father
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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

How was the monarch's cancer detected?

King Charles had gone into hospital for treatement for an enlarged prostate and it was during this treatement that doctors noted a "separate issue of concern". Tests from this discovered that it was a form of cancer; although the specific kind of cancer has not been revealed, Buckingham Palace confirmed that it wasn't prostate cancer.

King Charles smiles as he leaves hospital© Getty
Charles had undergone treatment for an enlarged prostate
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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

Last photos of the King before his diagnosis

The King appeared to be all chipper on Sunday as he stepped out with Queen Camilla as the couple walked to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. It was the King's first outing since he had been discharged from hospital on Monday following a prostate examination. To see these photos, click through to here!

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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

Harry to visit Charles in coming days

Prince Harry will be coming to visit his father following the King's diagnosis. Harry's arrival will take place in the coming days. HELLO! understands that Charles, 75, personally notified his younger son Harry, 39, of his shock health news before announcing it to the world via a Buckingham Palace statement on Monday evening.

King Charles and Prince Harry in suit© Samir Hussein

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Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead

Major medical news for King Charles

King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will be undergoing treatment, postponing royal outings for several months.

In a statement, the palace said: "During the King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."

The statement continued: "The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

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