By Megan Malone
Formerly known as The Prince of Wales, King Charles III is the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. After being the longest-serving monarch-in-waiting in British history, Charles ascended the throne on Sept. 8, 2022 at age 73, after the death of his mother. He was crowned in the first coronation on May 6, 2023, seven decades later.
Buckingham Palace Royal officials announced on Feb. 5 that the 75-year-old king has been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. The unspecified form of cancer was discovered as doctors treated the monarch for an enlarged prostate just a week prior; however, it is understood that the king has been diagnosed with cancer elsewhere in the body.
“It seems like just yesterday I was watching the coronation of King Charles III,” said Lauren Gardner, a junior at The University of Tampa. “It’s sad news to hear, but I’m confident in Prince William’s ability to fulfill King Charles’s duties.”
The stunning announcement marks a striking departure from the past when monarch’s ailments were often hidden from the public. The news comes a week after the king was discharged from a private London clinic after a medical procedure.
According to Buckingham Palace officials, Charles wanted to share his diagnosis in part to avoid speculation on his condition but also in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.
“It’s so rare for the royals to share their health with the world, so I admire him for speaking out to the public and encouraging anyone with unusual symptoms to get checked,” said Gardner.
Charles returned to London from Sandringham on Monday, Feb. 5, where he began regular outpatient treatments. All public-facing duties are postponed during his treatments, but he is still set to continue with his official business and office work as usual.
Royal officials stated that the king is grateful to his medical team for their immediate intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
“I know that King Charles has been through so much within these past years, but I hope that he will make a smooth recovery and can continue to fulfill all of his duties as king soon,” said Cynthia Rogan, a senior at The University of Tampa.
Prince William, The Prince of Wales, son of Charles, had postponed his engagements to look after his kids after his wife, Princess Kate, underwent abdominal surgery a month before Charles’ diagnosis. With William first in line to the throne, he will now be tasked with being the public face of the British monarchy until further notice.
On Feb. 7, Prince William’s first engagement since Jan. 11 will be an inauguration at Windsor Castle; however, Princess Kate will not likely appear publicly until after Easter. Meanwhile, Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has returned from his home in California to the U.K. to visit his father.
King Charles III will continue receiving expert care and looks forward to a speedy recovery and return to his complete duties soon.