Duke of Sussex to travel to UK in coming days to see King Charles
The Duke of Sussex has spoken with the King about his cancer diagnosis and will travel to the UK to see him soon, a source close to Harry told the Press Association.
“The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days,” the source close to Harry said.
Key events
The recent diagnosis means the king is unlikely to be at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on 11 March which is usually attended by senior members of the royal family.
The King and Queen were expected to visit Canada in May, and Australia, New Zealand and Samoa for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in October.
Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm whether the tours will go ahead, with no date suggested for the King’s return to full public duties.
His cancer diagnosis raises the prospect of the high-profile overseas visits – his first to the countries as King – being postponed.
No forthcoming state visits have officially been confirmed by the palace.
Professor Pat Price, founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, said: “In this worrying time, our hearts go out to the King and his family.
“The outpouring of well-wishes from millions of people reflects the collective concern we all share.
“The King’s openness about his battle with cancer is a powerful reminder that one in two of us may face cancer at some point in our lives.”
Judi Rhys, chief executive of Tenovus Cancer Care, of which the Princess Royal is patron, said: “We are saddened to hear of the King’s cancer diagnosis and wish him all the best with his treatment and recovery.
“Our thoughts are with the whole of the royal family including our patron HRH the Princess Royal.”
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “Finding out you have cancer can be very daunting – we hope King Charles’ treatment goes well.
“As ever, if you have any symptoms or signs of cancer, please do come forward for checks.”
The king, who has been diagnosed with cancer, has generally enjoyed good health, although he has been injured during sporting pursuits.
It is hoped that Charles’s decision to share details of his diagnosis may help public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.
In a statement on Monday, Buckingham Palace said the king “is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure”.
He has begun a schedule of regular treatments, during which he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties, the Palace said.
Previous health issues have included contracting coronavirus at the beginning of the pandemic and being knocked unconscious after being thrown from his horse while playing polo, and he narrowly escaped an avalanche that killed a close friend.
Joe Biden ‘concerned’ about King Charles’ cancer diagnosis
US president Joe Biden said he was “concerned” about King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and planned to call him later.
“I am concerned about him,” Biden said when asked about the diagnosis during a visit to Las Vegas.
“ Just heard about his diagnosis. I’ll be talking to him, God willing.”
Dr Jay Verma, president of the GP section at the Royal Society of Medicine, has thanked the king for raising awareness about cancer.
He said: “We wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and success in his treatment for cancer.
“We have made leaps and bounds in our cancer treatment and survival rates, and the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the more options there are for treatment.
“We would also like to thank His Majesty for using his unique position in highlighting how cancer is indiscriminate in who it affects and that there should be no shame or embarrassment in coming forward to seek help and advice.
“The NHS has a system of cancer screenings and if you receive a communication saying you are due for an appointment, it is vital you make an appointment. It could save your life.
“If you have any symptoms which cause you concern, you should get in contact with your GP practice.
“Please don’t be shy – the more information we have the better to help – hopefully – rule out cancer or, if not, put you on the most suitable treatment pathway.”
A statement from Macmillan Cancer Support said everyone at the charity was sending their best wishes.
The statement on X said: “Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and his family.
“We are sending our best wishes at what we know must be an incredibly challenging time.”
The Royal Household is currently conducting a review of royal patronages.
The King has been a long-standing supporter of Macmillan, becoming patron of the charity in 1997.
There are around 375,000 new cancer cases in the UK every year, which is around 1,000 every day, according to the Cancer Research charity.
Each year more than a third of all cancer cases in the UK are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over.
In males in the UK, there are around 193,000 new cancer cases every year. In females in the UK, there are more than 182,000 new cases.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: “I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening.
“Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and we’d all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonight’s news.”
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said his party offered “heartfelt wishes” to the King after the “shocking news” of his diagnosis.
“This is, unfortunately, a reality many families, right across these islands, face day and daily,” he said.
“I know that people across Northern Ireland, and indeed the world, will be holding him and the royal family in their thoughts and prayers during this very worrying time for them all.
“As a nation, we join together to wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and a return to full health.”
Caroline Davies
The Princess of Wales had determined to keep her medical details private.
But with her also out of action – she is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter – it presents problems for the monarchy which is already significantly diminished in the number of working royals due to the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Kensington Palace announced earlier on Monday that the Prince of Wales, who took time off while his wife was in hospital, will resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening.
