The British monarch has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has started regular treatments, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday.
The palace did not reveal the type or stage of the cancer, but said it was not prostate cancer, which the King had been treated for earlier this month.
The King, 75, will postpone his public engagements while undergoing treatment, but will continue to perform his constitutional duties as head of state. He is said to be “wholly positive” about his treatment and hopes to resume his full public role as soon as possible.
The King informed his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, of his diagnosis and received their support. Prince Harry, who lives in the United States, spoke to his father and plans to visit him in the coming days. The King’s wife, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals will stand in for him at official events during his absence.
Royal support
The King’s diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of sympathy and well-wishes from across the world, including from political leaders, celebrities, and the public.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was “saddened” by the news and wished the King a “full and speedy recovery”. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was “thinking of the King and his family at this difficult time”.
US President Joe Biden expressed his concern and said he would speak to the King soon. He also praised the King for his courage and openness in sharing his diagnosis, saying it could help raise awareness and inspire others facing cancer.
The King has been a patron of several cancer-related charities since he was the Prince of Wales and has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients and their families.
A new era
The King ascended to the throne in September 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 69 years. His coronation took place in May 2023, in a scaled-down ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The King has been praised for his modern and progressive approach to the monarchy, as well as his efforts to promote environmental and social causes.
He has also embarked on several overseas tours, including to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa, to strengthen the ties between the Commonwealth nations.
The King and Queen are scheduled to visit India in March 2024, to mark the 75th anniversary of the country’s independence from British rule. The palace has not confirmed whether the visit will go ahead, depending on the King’s health and recovery.
The King’s cancer diagnosis has highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the fight against cancer, as well as the need for solidarity and compassion among people affected by the disease.
The King’s example of bravery and optimism has also inspired many to hope for his recovery and for a brighter future for all cancer patients and survivors.
As the King himself said in a speech at a cancer research event in 2020, “We must never give up on our quest to find a cure for this dreadful disease, nor on our duty to support those who suffer from it. Together, we can make a difference.”
Source: New Zimbabwe
