The Palace Was Reportedly "Shocked" By King Charles's Cancer Diagnosis

One day after Buckingham Palace revealed King Charles's cancer diagnosis, royal insiders are sharing their reactions. On Monday, the firm announced that in the process of treating an enlarged prostate, Charles's team of doctors uncovered the cancer, though the BBC reported that it is not prostate cancer.

“I was really shocked when I heard it,” one source close to the family told People. Another insider added that while Charles has not seemed like himself in the last few months, they assumed it was grief from the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in September 2022 and father, Prince Philip, in April 2021.

“He has not looked himself," the source said. "I put it down to grief — he’d had two deaths close together — but maybe he wasn’t well without realizing so. It would take it out of him.”

Although the palace did not reveal the specific diagnosis or type of cancer, the family shared on Monday that the king has already begun "regular treatments" and "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."

"In time, we might know," royal expert and author Robert Hardman said regarding the specific type of cancer. "But for now, there is a feeling that they have been pretty open." 

In Monday's statement, the palace revealed that the king "has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties" though he "will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."

Another insider told People that Charles would most likely want to get back to business and life as usual unless he began to feel bogged down by treatment. “He will want to get on with the job," the source said. "But that will depend on what treatment he is having. It may be utterly draining on him. He will need a lot of support.”

Prince Harry plans to be by his father's side during this difficult time, People reported yesterday. The prince is expected to make the trip to the U.K. in the coming days. The publication adds that Charles called both Harry and his elder son, William, to share the news.

Prior to the announcement surrounding Charles's diagnosis, the king and his wife, Queen Camilla, attended a church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on Monday morning. According to the publication, Charles "cheerfully waved" to onlookers, giving no indication of his illness.

At the end of Monday's statement, the firm noted that Charles ultimately decided 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."

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