On Jan. 5, Buckingham Palace released a statement saying King Charles III is being treated for cancer. CBC News reported that the type of cancer is unknown and was discovered while the king was receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. 

King Charles is not the first British monarch to battle cancer. His grandfather, George VI was diagnosed with lung cancer, and his grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, allegedly had colon cancer in her 60s.

According to Buckingham Palace, the king began receiving treatment on Jan. 5 and will postpone public engagements but continue his daily work. No further statements have been made by Buckingham Palace on the stage of cancer. 

Julian Payne, who served as communication director for King Charles when he was still prince, stated Charles has generally always enjoyed “very robust health.”

Payne also noted that during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, health matters of the monarch or other senior members of the royal family were often never discussed with the public. He explains how the monarch’s actions to address his health problems are a way to encourage others to get examined and make doctor’s appointments. 

The BBC reports that The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has reportedly spoken to his father and will be traveling from the United States to the U.K. to visit him in the upcoming days.

At a charity gala, Prince William made a statement about his father’s diagnosis. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in the recent days,” he said.

William has taken some time off from his public duties to take care of his wife, Kate, after she underwent abdominal surgery on Jan. 16. As heir to the British throne, many of Charles’ duties as king could fall to Prince William, says William’s communication secretary, Lee Thompson. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Megan, have mostly remained in California, raising their two children. Journalist Elizabeth Holmes believed the diagnosis would not pull the couple back into affairs with the British crown.

President Joe Biden said on X, “Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.” In May, the king and queen are scheduled to visit Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Samoa. Buckingham Palace has not confirmed if Charles and his wife, Camilla, will proceed with the tours.