Earlier this year, King Charles III shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer, a revelation that marked a rare moment of vulnerability for the monarch.
However, the specific type of cancer remains undisclosed—a choice the King made with careful deliberation.
King Charles type of cancer
According to a palace source cited by The Times, the decision was intentional. The King reportedly wanted his announcement to resonate with as many people as possible.
“The King’s decision not to reveal the type of cancer was a conscious choice to be able to reach out to the widest number of people who are experiencing the disease, rather than narrow the focus onto a particular form of cancer,” the source explained.
While the palace clarified that the King does not have prostate cancer, his approach to sharing personal health updates is not unprecedented.
Earlier in the year, Charles openly discussed undergoing surgery for an enlarged prostate. The transparency had an immediate impact, leading to a staggering 1,000% increase in searches about prostate health on the UK’s National Health Service website.
Royal biographer Robert Jobson noted that this openness symbolized a shift in how the royal family communicates about personal matters.
“He was lauded for doing so, with commentators saying he had ushered in a new era of transparency in matters of health and the royal family,” Jobson shared.
After the January surgery, further medical investigations revealed the presence of cancer. By February, the King began treatment. Despite his diagnosis, Charles was determined to maintain his public visibility.
According to The Times, his staff initially proposed discreet transportation methods, but the King rejected these plans. Instead, he opted for the state Bentley, ensuring the public could see him and draw reassurance.
“He made it clear that he felt his condition was nothing to be shied away from,” a palace insider said.
As of now, the King’s treatment continues but is reportedly progressing well. Palace sources describe it as “a managed condition” and confirm that the treatment will extend into the new year.
Despite the personal and institutional challenges of 2024, King Charles has approached the year with resilience and determination. His commitment to his royal duties was evident during his tour of Australia and Samoa with Queen Camilla in October.
This challenging time has also deepened Charles’s bond with his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales. Kate Middleton, like the King, faced her own cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
After undergoing abdominal surgery in January, her cancer was detected, and she announced her diagnosis in March. By September, her chemotherapy treatment had concluded.
A palace source revealed that this shared experience brought the King and Kate closer.
Charles himself praised Kate’s bravery, saying he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage” following her public announcement.