75-year-old monarch issues public statement, breaks Royal tradition
By Charmaine Y. Rodriguez
The Buckingham Palace issued an official statement confirming that King Charles has cancer but did not give any specific details.
“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 Palace’s statement last Monday read.
“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,” it added.
The Palace confirmed that the monarch “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.”
Canada is a constitutional monarchy whereby the Sovereign is Canada’s Head of State. King Charles III automatically became Sovereign of Canada on the passing of his predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II, according to Canada’s website. Charles is also called King of Canada.
Charles Philip Arthur George was born on November 14, 1948 and is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He became Heir to the Throne at the age of 3 when his mother became Queen in 1952.
Details about his parents health problems and even the causes of their deaths were never made public as part of Royal tradition.