The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has revealed that King Charles III’s cancer was detected early and expressed his hope for a swift recovery.
Sunak spoke to BBC Radio 5 on Tuesday, sharing his personal reaction to the king’s cancer diagnosis.
He admitted that he was “shocked and scared” when he heard the news, but added that he was “thankful that this was caught early”.
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, after he underwent a procedure for an enlarged prostate at a London hospital last month.
The palace said in a statement, “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 did not disclose the type or stage of the cancer, but clarified that it was not prostate cancer.
The king started his treatment on Monday, which led to the postponement of his public engagements, as announced by the palace.
Other members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla and Prince William, are expected to take over his duties.
“Charles is expected to continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” the palace said on Monday.
Sunak also said that he “will continue to communicate with [Charles] as normal” and “we’ll crack on with everything”.
