KING Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Details of the type of cancer will be kept private, but it is understood that it is not prostate cancer.

The monarch was discharged from hospital last week after treatment for an enlarged prostate.

The palace said that the cancer was a "separate issue" found during his time in care. 

A statement from Buckingham Palace read: "During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

"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.

"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

The news comes after Charles was discharged from the London Clinic on Monday, January 29 following three nights receiving medical care at the hospital for an enlarged prostate.

The monarch underwent a corrective procedure for the benign condition and it had been reported that he could take up to a month off from public duties as he recuperates.

Earlier this week, Queen Camilla said her husband was “doing his best” following his release from hospital as she opened a cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Charles was reported to have wanted to share the news to encourage other men to get themselves checked.

NHS England said the “enlarged prostate” page on the NHS website received one visit every five seconds on the day the King’s diagnosis was announced, with further huge boosts in visits in the days that followed.

The cancer diagnosis is the latest health scare to hit the royal family at the start of 2024, coming after the King’s hospital stay, the Princess of Wales’s major abdominal surgery and Sarah, Duchess of York’s diagnosis of skin cancer.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer were among those to send their best wishes to the monarch.

Sunak said:  “Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. Ihave no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”

Starmer added: “On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.”