London — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he is thankful King Charles III's cancer has been “caught early” as he wished him a full recovery.
Charles, 75, is facing regular treatment for cancer after his shock diagnosis was uncovered during his recent hospital stay for a procedure on an enlarged prostate.
The king, who has postponed all his public duties, returned to London from Sandringham on Monday and has already begun his medical care as an outpatient under the supervision of his specialist team of doctors.
Sunak said he was left “shocked and sad” when he was told about the king’s cancer diagnosis.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “All our thoughts are with him and his family.
More from Mom.com: King Charles Announces He Has Cancer Following Recent Prostate Treatment
William is likely to be undertaking some duties on his father’s behalf, it is understood, but counsellors of state, who are appointed when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to be needed.
The king will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and weekly audiences with the prime minister, which can take place over the phone.
Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings Anne, Andrew and Edward, to give them the news before it was publicly announced.
The palace has called for the king’s privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities.
This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the king’s hospital stay, Kate’s major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah, duchess of York’s skin cancer diagnosis.
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