King Charles III Diagnosed Suffering Cancer: Postpones Public Meeting But Still Undergoes Tasks During Maintenance

JAKARTA - King of England Charles III was diagnosed with cancer and temporarily postponed public gatherings for treatment, but continued to carry out state duties, Buckingham Palace said Monday.

The announcement came after King Charles III (75) spent three nights in hospital last month, during which he underwent treatment procedures for tame prostate enlargement.

The palace said there were separate issues of concern while being hospitalized, but gave no further details than saying the test had revealed that the king was suffering from cancer.

"No further details were shared at this stage, except to ensure that His Majesty did not suffer from prostate cancer," the palace said.

"Her Majesty has started a routine maintenance schedule today, and during that time she has been advised by doctors to postpone publicly related tasks," the palace said, quoted by CNN.

"Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to carry out state affairs and official documents as usual," added the palace.

On Sunday, King Charles gave no indication of his diagnosis when he was pictured smiling and waving at residents, as he attended church services with his wife.

This is her first public appearance since she and her daughter-in-law Kate left the same hospital in London a week ago, where they both underwent planned treatment.

Kate, Wales princess and British heir to the throne wife Prince William, spent two weeks at a London clinic after stomach surgery for an unexplained condition, but not cancer.

He will not return to his royal duties until after Easter. Meanwhile, Prince William, who has cared for their three children during his recovery period, will carry out his first public involvement since his operation on Wednesday.

Although aristocrats usually take great care of their health details and consider them a personal matter, Charles remains open about his recent treatment.

"Her Majesty has chosen to share her diagnosis to prevent speculation and with the hope that it can help public understanding for all people around the world affected by cancer," Buckingham Palace said.

King Charles III also personally informed his close family about his cancer diagnosis, including to Prince Harry, his youngest son.

Harry, who lives in California, United States with his wife Meghan and her two children after resigning from royal duties in 2020, will travel to England to meet King Charles III in the coming days, said a source close to the Duke of Sussex.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded to this announcement.

"I'm sure he will return to his full strength in no time and I know the whole country will wish him all the best," he wrote on X.