King Charles III has apologised after postponing his upcoming public duties following his cancer diagnosis.
It was announced by Buckingham Palace earlier this evening that Charles had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer. The King pulled out of his planned engagements earlier this month to receive treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace said that during Charles’ recent procedure for a benign prostate enlargement a “separate issue of concern” was noted. Further diagnostic tests have identified “a form of cancer”.
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The Palace has said the King would continue to “undertake State business and official paperwork as usual” and he will continue having weekly audiences with the Prime Minister.
The recent diagnosis means His Majesty is unlikely to be at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, which is usually attended by senior members of the royal family.
The palace said the King “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”, but it is not yet known whether it will affect his attendance at events such as those marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.
It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State.
A palace spokesman said: “Regrettably, a number of the King’s forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.”
It is understood details of the King’s diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin.
The palace said the Queen will continue with a full programme of public duties.
Other working members of the royal family could undertake additional duties on behalf of the King but it is understood planning for future state visits will continue where possible.
The Prince of Wales could take on some of the King’s work as he is expected to return to public duties on Wednesday after the Princess of Wales’ major abdominal surgery last month.
It is also understood that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through.
It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with the Prime Minister should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact.
Prince Harry is now set to return from the UK. A source close to the Duke of Sussex confirmed he has spoken with his dad since the diagnosis and will be returning to the UK from his home in California.
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