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.
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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.”
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.
Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf said he wished the king a “speedy recovery” following his cancer diagnosis.
He said: “My thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty The King and I hope for a speedy recovery and return to public life.
“My thoughts are also with Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the royal family at what I know will be a worrying time.”
Northern Ireland’s first minister Michelle O’Neill wished the King a full and speedy recovery.
“I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,” she posted on X.
Caroline Davies
The king, 75, has largely enjoyed good health throughout his life.
The first signs of any significant health concern came with Buckingham Palace’s 17 January surprise announcement that he had sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The palace stressed at the time that his condition was “benign” and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure.
He was said to be personally keen to share details of his benign prostate diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves checked.
Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, has wished the King a “full and swift recovery” following his cancer diagnosis.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “I’m saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges.
“My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening.
“I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery.
“Gwellhad buan.”
I’m saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges.
My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening.
I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan.
— Mark Drakeford (@PrifWeinidog) February 5, 2024
The Labour leader Keir Starmer has sent his best wishes to the king.
On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery.
We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 5, 2024
Caroline Davies
The king is understood to have personally informed both of his sons, William and Harry, and his three siblings – The Princess Royal, Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of York – of his diagnosis.
The prime minister Rishi Sunak has wished the King a “full and speedy recovery” and said he will no doubt “be back to full strength in no time”.
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.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 5, 2024
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has extended his best wishes to the King.
“Sending His Majesty the King every good wish as he commences his treatment,” he wrote on X.
“We pray for a full and speedy recovery.”
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.
King Charles ‘wholly positive about treatment’ after being diagnosed with cancer
King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace has announced this evening.
The diagnosis was made recently while the king underwent treatment at the London Clinic for a benign enlarged prostate.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “During the king’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“His majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
“Throughout this period, his majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.
“The king is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“His majesty has chosen 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.”