King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace announced this evening. It comes after he was picture leaving church in Sandringham with his wife Queen Camilla on Sunday, in his first public appearance since leaving hospital in London.
Last month it was announced by Buckingham Palace that His Majesty would be undergoing a routine procedure to treat his enlarged prostate.
The King wanted to be open about his diagnosis in order to encourage other men experiencing symptoms to get themselves checked, as well as distracting from his daughter-in-law Princess Kate’s own health woes.
Altogether Charles spent three nights in hospital and it is understood that the initial surgery went to plan, with the King looking forward to getting back to work as soon as possible.
Here Express.co.uk looks back at what happened from the very first announcement about the King’s health at the start of January.
On Wednesday January 17, just 90 minutes after Kensington Palace confirmed that Princess Kate had undergone abdominal surgery the day before, Buckingham Palace revealed that the King was experiencing health troubles of his own.
The Palace said in a statement: “In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
The 75-year-old was pictured looking jovial as he entered The London Clinic in Marylebone with Camilla on Friday January 26, the same hospital where Kate was being treated.
The King and Queen made time to visit Kate before he underwent his own surgery, as she had not been able to see her three young children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis while she was hospitalised.
Devoted Camilla visited her husband twice over the course of the weekend, an unusual move for the royals who in the past would attend hospital alone.
King Charles and Princess Kate were both revealed to have left hospital on the same day, Monday January 29, and have headed home to recuperate in private.
Kate has been resting at home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, while His Majesty returned to the royal estate Sandringham in Norfolk where Camilla has been by his side.
The Queen said her husband was doing “fine” but it is not known when he will be back on royal duty, particularly as he has experienced a fresh diagnosis.
The King was pictured for the first time since leaving hospital on Sunday February 4, when he and the Queen were pictured attending St Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham.
It is the same church where the family attend their Christmas Day service each year, coincidentally the last time Kate was pictured in public before her surgery.
Both of the royals were wrapped up against the February weather, with the King looking stylish in tan and Camilla rocking one of her favourite dark claret numbers.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace this evening, February 5, it has been confirmed that another health issue was uncovered during the King’s surgery.
The Palace said: “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 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.”
