King Charles III cancer diagnosis: Monarch 'very, very positive' about treatment but will step back from public duties with Prince William set to take on more duties and Prince Harry flying in to visit his sick father

As Big Ben struck 6pm, Buckingham Palace dropped the shock announcement that King Charles has cancer.

Here's what we know so far:

• The 75-year-old monarch was diagnosed with a type of cancer
• Tests after 'separate issue of concern' following enlarged prostate treatment
• Charles does not have prostate cancer; type of cancer will not be publicised
• The King has travelled back to London to start treatment immediately
• He personally told his sons William and Harry the news
• Prince Harry will fly to London to be by his father's side
• Meghan and their two children will stay in LA, it has been reported
• US President Joe Biden 'concerned' about Charles and will speak to him
• Queen Camilla to play important role in supporting Charles through cancer battle
• His Majesty has postponed public-facing duties
• Charles wanted to make diagnosis public to prevent speculation

After taking time away to be with his family during Kate's recovery, Prince William will be returning to Royal Duties following his father's announcement.

He will be attending a fundraising gala for London Air Ambulance, a charity of which he is a patron.

This is not the first time the King, 75, has taken a blow to his health and has often joked about his physical decline.

He previously joked to a crowd in Brisbane in 2018: 'I don't know about you but now bits of me keep falling off at regular intervals.'

• Prince Harry revealed in his bombshell memoir Spare that his father suffered from chronic neck and back pain.
• Charles himself slipped a disc in the early 1990s, which saw him miss Royal Ascot in 1991. Two years later, he aggravated the injury when he fell off a horse at Windsor.
• King Charles had a non-cancerous growth removed from the bridge of his nose in a minor procedure in 2008.
• Charles broke his right arm after falling from his horse during a polo match at Cirencester in 1990.
• In 1992 he had an operation to repair torn cartilage in his left knee.
• There were some curious stares in November 2001 when Charles reported for royal duties sporting a rather alarming bandage over his left eye.
• King Charles's so-called 'sausage fingers' - medically known as dactylitis - have drawn much attention from royal watchers over the years.

Good wishes for King Charles are pouring in from all over the world.

Britian's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted on X: 'Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.'

US President Joe Biden said he planned to call the King and said: 'I am concerned about him. I'll be talking to him, god willing.'

He later posted 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 that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is 'thinking of His Majesty' and is sending him his 'very best wishes' as he hopes for a 'fast and full recovery' for the monarch.

Last night, Buckingham Palace dramatically revealed that doctors had discovered an unspecified form of cancer during treatment for a benign prostate condition.

King Charles informed close family by phone, including estranged son Harry who will fly back from his home in California to see his father.

It is not known where he will stay when he visits the UK and Harry needs prior permission from Buckingham Palace to stay on a royal estate.

It will be the first time the pair have spent any significant time together in more than 18 months. Royal watchers were asking whether it might herald a thaw in relations.

Charles was scheduled to visit Canada in the spring with Queen Camilla in what would have marked his first visit to a British realm since his Coronation.

But the tour has been thrown into doubt with royal historian and author Kate Williams telling Sky News he might have to pull the plug - with questions also over Trooping the Colour.

'There is a tour of Canada planned in the early summer, I don't think that will go ahead, and we don't know about Trooping the Colour,' she said.

'We thought we would see Charles back on his feet in a couple of weeks [after his recent hospital visit], because many men have a prostate operation, it is quite a straightforward operation, and I think we thought he would be fine quite soon.

'Instead, we actually don't know the timeline.'

Although Charles is stepping back from public-facing activities as he undergoes treatment for an unknown cancer, the monarch is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork.

However, what would happen if at some point the King becomes 'incapacitated'?

Read our full explainer below.

Politicians have been sending their best wishes to Charles following his cancer diagnosis.

MailOnline has been covering every angle since the news broke that His Majesty has been diagnosed with cancer.

Some of our exclusives and breaking news stories include:

• Prince Harry will fly back to London to be by King Charles' side TODAY
• King's cancer diagnosis will mean Prince William will shoulder more responsibility
• The Queen will be with Charles every step of the way
• World holds its breath following monarch's shock diagnosis
• Thomas Markle sends King Charles 'all the good wishes in the world'
• How hard it must have been for Harry to hear the sad news of Charles's cancer
• King's diagnosis comes after prostate operation - and years of health issues
• Charles attended church after his diagnosis with Queen Camilla by his side
• The upcoming Royal engagements King Charles could miss out on
• King Charles' expert team of doctors who will shepherd him through treatment
• US President Joe Biden says he is 'concerned' about King Charles
• Rishi Sunak wishes King Charles 'a full and speedy recovery'
• Charles receives huge outpouring of support from the public
• Prince Andrew spotted putting on a brave face as he rode his horse at Windsor

Professor Sir Michael Marmot, a leading expert on public health, told ITV's Peston that Charles revealing he has cancer is a 'positive step'.

'Cancer is so terrifying to people that they'd rather not talk about, they'd rather not think about it. The more we realise that it's something we have to discuss, it's something we can do something about in terms of prevention and early diagnosis and treatment.

'So the fact the monarch is prepared to talk about his own cancer diagnosis I think is a very positive step.'

It is understood the King's condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good.

Charles was last night reported to be 'hugely positive' following shock news that he has cancer.

And family and friends were said to be amazed by his determination to carry on with 'business as usual'.

Read our full story below.

Charles will have an expert team of doctors to shepherd him through treatment for his unknown cancer battle.

The man who is likely overseeing the King's treatment at large is Dr Michael Dixon, who has been head of the Royal Medical Household since 2022.

The 71-year-old GP, who has an OBE for services to primary care, has previously been the subject of discussion in the media over his support for homeopathy.

Read our full story below.

In the last 30 minutes, French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a message to Charles.

Writing on X, he wished the King a speedy recovery.

King Charles' former media manager, Dickie Arbiter, told the BBC that not being able to fulfill his public duties will frustrate His Majesty.

He said he will be 'upbeat and he’s carrying on work as usual' in terms of administration but won't be seen in public.

And that’s the part that will frustrate him because that’s his job; to be seen out and about by the great British public, by the people of the Commonwealth, by the people of the realms, by business, by industry, by parliamentarians and he’s not able to do that.

Medical professionals have thanked the King for raising awareness about cancer after sharing news about his diagnosis.

Dr Jay Verma, president of the GP section at the Royal Society of Medicine, thanked Charles for using his 'unique position' to highlight how cancer can affect anyone.

Professor Pat Price, founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, similarly praised Charles' honesty, saying: '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.'

Chiara De Biase, director of support and influencing at Prostate Cancer UK, highlighted a 500 percent increase in people coming to the charity's website for information and support in the week following the King's announcement of his enlarged prostate condition in January.

The Church of England has written a 'prayer for the King'.

Royal Commentator, Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchinbrooke, says King Charles' openness shows a 'different type of monarchy'.

She said: 'King Charles' is really using his platform, which is wonderful, for public figures and people of influence to use their platform to then be able to say 'this has happened to me'.

NHS GP Dr. Philippa Kaye says King Charles' cancer is 'more likely to be at a very early stage'.

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."

Prince Harry will be flying from California to London today, to be reunited with his father. The average flight time from California to London is 10 hours and 26 minutes.

Harry's wife Meghan Markle and their children Archie, four, and Lilibet, two, will stay in LA, a source close to the duke has revealed.

The King's sibling Prince Andrew was spotted earlier today putting on a brave face as he rode his horse in Windsor.

The Duke of York, 63, was joined by two female companions for the ride of Windsor Great Park - not far from his seven-bedroom home, Royal Lodge. Andrew appeared at ease as he chatted to the pair during an overcast day in Berkshire.

Read our full story below.

Former royal butler Grant Harrold has told GB News Charles will put his duties before his health.

'This is somebody who doesn't take duties lightly. He's a hard worker, dare I say a workaholic,' he said.

Her later told Sky News he was left shocked by the announcement.

Thomas Markle is the latest to wish Charles a speedy recovery.

Meghan Markle's estranged father, who has had his own health woes and is still recovering from a major stroke he suffered in 2002, said: ‘I want to send my best wishes to King Charles and hope he gets well very soon. I wish him all the good wishes in the world.'

Read the full story below.

The world is still reeling as leaders from across the globe and the public rallied around Charles in his fight against cancer.

The 75-year-old monarch has said he hopes that his diagnosis 'may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.'

Read our full story below.

It's been a troubling time for the Royal Family at late with several health scares.

It was only announced just over two weeks ago, while Kate Middleton is at home recovering following a two week stay in hospital after abdominal surgery.

The King himself recently underwent treatment for an enlarged treatment where separate tests discovered he had cancer.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle earlier made a statement to the House of Commons.

You can watch it below.

Only days ago Camilla told how her beloved husband was 'getting on' and 'doing his best' following his prostate surgery.

Camilla, 76, was asked how her husband was faring as she officially opened a new Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in north west London.

The Mail's Rebecca English has been discussing the important role Camilla will play in supporting Charles through his treatment.

Read the full story below.

The announcement comes a day after World Cancer Day and follows a poignant message posted by All On The Board on X.

The King is understood to have personally informed his sons Prince William and Prince Harry about his condition.

The BBC also reports Charles told his siblings, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne.

Meghan Markle, Princess Lilibet, and Prince Archie will NOT be travelling with Prince Harry to London, it has been reported.

The New York Post reports they will be staying in Los Angeles as the Duke of Sussex rushes to be with his father.

Jennie Bond told GB News 'we should be grateful that this has been found, and hopefully early on'.

Former US President Donald Trump has posted on social media wishing Charles a fast and full recovery.

He said: 'King Charles has cancer. He is a wonderful man, who I got to know well during my presidency, and we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery!'

Cardinal Nichols is praying for the King's recovery and sent his prayers.

US President Joe Biden has been left concerned about the King and plans to phone Charles.

He told reporters: 'I'm concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis.

'I'll be talking to him, God willing.'

NHS England chief executive said 'finding out you have cancer can be very daunting.

'We hope King Charles' treatment goes well,' she said.

'As ever, if you have any symptoms or signs of cancer, please do come forward for checks.'

(Pictured: King Charles III greets Britain's Health Secretary Victoria Atkins (L), Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England Ruth May (C) and NHS England CEO Amanda Pritchard, during a reception to celebrate nurses and midwives working in the UK, at Buckingham Palace in London on November 14, 2023)

The King took a quiet walk with Queen Camilla yesterday after the pair departed Sandringham church.

People have been gathering outside Buckingham Palace this evening.

The Royal Standard could also be seen fluttering in the wind, indicating Charles is present within the Palace walls.

With King to be sidelined for longer after the shock announcement of his cancer diagnosis, and the Princess of Wales recovering from abdominal surgery, it means Prince William will shoulder more responsibility.

The Prince of Wales, 41, had recently postponed his royal engagements to be by his wife Kate Middleton's side.

Kensington Palace announced earlier today, however, that he would 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.

Read our full story below.

Maggie's cancer support, which Camilla has been president of since 2008, said it was 'very sorry' to hear of the Charles' diagnosis.

Chief executive Dame Laura Lee said: 'We are incredibly sorry to hear the King's news and our thoughts are with him.

'We also know how challenging and worrying a time a cancer diagnosis can be for the whole family and our thoughts are very much with our president, Her Majesty The Queen.

'We have centres across the country for anyone living with cancer or impacted by this announcement.'

Macmillan Cancer Support also posted a message on X sending best wishes to Charles and the Royal Family.

Jennie Bond earlier told Sky News said she hoped that King Charles III's cancer diagnosis 'will bring a reconciliation' with Prince Harry.

Harry estranged brother William is also in close contact with his father but neither brother has made a public statement yet.

Talk TV's royal editor Sarah Hewson says Prince Harry's return to the UK 'indicates the seriousness' of King Charles' cancer diagnosis.

'I am sure that since his father first went into hospital, and since it was first announced that his father was going into hospital for the prostate treatment, and that his sister-in-law was in hospital, I'm sure that Prince Harry has never felt further away.'

The Palace released this image of the monarch, which showed Charles during the state tour of France in September 2023.

The King and Queen Camilla were pictured yesterday attending Sandringham church.

The announcement of the cancer diagnosis comes just a week after Charles appeared cheerful as he waved to the crowds as he was released from The London Clinic after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate.

The King's son Prince Harry will fly in from America to be by his father's side as he begins his battle against cancer.

Re

ad our full story below.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis says he is 'saddened to have heard about His Majesty's diagnosis'.

X, formerly Twitter, has been flooded with well-wishes from the likes as former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, as well as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has been talking to Sky News about the King's cancer battle.

She said it would have come as 'terrible shock' to Queen Camilla.

A terrible shock for him and I think an even greater shock for Camilla. I do feel for Camilla because he is her rock and vice versa and all the time he spent in hospital when she was there poppingi nevery five minutes showed just how much they love each other and feel a bit lost without each other.

The Mail's Sarah Vine has sent her best wishes to the King while saying 'this comes as an unwelcome shock, not just for the nation, still very much in mourning after the death of his mother, but also for the Royal Family itself'.

Read the full story below.

Sarah Vine

The Duke of Sussex has spoken to his father about his cancer diagnosis and will travel to the UK in the coming days, according to a source close to Harry.

The monarch was last pictured at Sandringham yesterday before the shock announcement this evening.

He appeared to be in high spirits ahead of the church service at the Sandringham Estate Chapel, following a short hospital stay last week for treatment on an enlarged prostate.

To confirm, King Charles does not have prostate cancer and the Palace said it will not be revealing the type of cancer the monarch has.

You can read our full story below.

The Prime Minister was among one of the first to send the 75-year-old monarch well wishes which have flooded social media since the announcement

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The Palace has announced this evening King Charles has been diagnosed with a type of cancer.

The full statement is below.