For the British royal family, 2024 has gotten off to a rough start. First, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, was hospitalized for over a week due an abdominal surgery to treat an undisclosed medical condition. Then 75-year-old King Charles entered the hospital for a three-day stay to treat an enlarged prostate. Shortly after that treatment was complete, the world learned that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer.
On Saturday, the king released his first statement since news of the diagnosis broke. The message, released by Buckingham Palace, was short on details regarding the monarch's condition but long on gratitude for the well-wishes he and the rest of the family have received in recent weeks.
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King Charles did not disclose any information about his prognosis.
In the February 10 statement, Charles shared his "most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days," noting that "As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement."
In the brief statement, Charles didn't disclose what kind of cancer he has or what stage it might be in. It is believed that the cancer, which was spotted during treatment for an enlarged prostate, is something other than prostate cancer. The official announcement from earlier this month noted that it was "a separate issue of concern."
Charles will step back from duties as he receives treatment.
Buckingham Palace previously shared that "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 King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."
Since the diagnosis, Charles has been spending time at his estate in Sandringham and was spotted attending church services with Queen Camilla.
In his new public statement, Charles again expressed gratitude for those treating him, sharing, "It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience."
Other members of the family will carry the load of royal duties.
Despite their respective spouses dealing with significant medical issues, both Queen Camilla and Prince William have continued to fulfill royal obligations. Camilla recently attended musical evening at Salisbury Cathedral to benefit local charities while William hosted investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle and presented at a ceremony recognizing London's Air Ambulance Charity.
Princesses Anne has long been considered one of the most hard-working royals, and she has also begun to fill in for her brother as he begins his cancer journey.
At this time, Kate is not expected to return to royal duties until after Easter, and it is unclear when Charles will be able to return to a full schedule.
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