Rishi Sunak has spoken out after Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer.
On Monday (February 5), Buckingham Palace revealed in a statement that the 75-year-old monarch had already begun treatment after the cancer was discovered during a recent medical procedure for benign prostate enlargement.
"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," the statement read.
The King will suspend public engagements but will continue with state business, and won't be handing over his constitutional role as head of state.
The Palace disclosed that his majesty is "grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure," adding: "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 statement concluded.
Buckingham Palace has not disclosed what kind of cancer the King has, or where he is receiving treatment, sharing: "No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer," according to BBC.
The UK’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has now provided an update regarding King Charles III's health and shared that he is grateful that the cancer was "caught early".
When asked how he received the news, Sunak told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Obviously, like everyone else, shocked and sad, and just all our thoughts are with him and his family. Thankfully, this has been caught early," as cited by The Guardian.
The 43-year-old Conservative leader said that everyone is hoping the king "gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery," adding: "That’s what we’re all hoping and praying for, and I’m of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal."
"He’ll be in our thoughts and our prayers, many families around the country listening to this will have been touched by the same thing and they know what it means to everyone. So we’ll just be willing him on and hopefully, we can get through this as quickly as possible," Sunak added.
It has been reported that Prince Harry will travel back to the UK "in the coming days" to visit his father after his cancer announcement.
According to BBC News, a spokesperson for The Duke of Sussex - whose relationship with the Royal Family has become strained after he stepped back as a senior alongside his wife Meghan Markle in 2020 - shared that he had spoken to the King about the diagnosis.
They added that the 39-year-old would be traveling alone while Meghan would remain in the US with their two children: Archie, four, and Lilibet, two.
