Yesterday (5 January), Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer.
The 75-year-old monarch was recently admitted to hospital for a benign prostate enlargement, but it was during this procedure that another health ailment was alerted to medics, subsequently found to be 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," the statement from the Palace read.
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"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."
It concluded: "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."
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Since the news broke yesterday, spectators have been wondering what the King's diagnosis means for royals close to him, including his somewhat estranged son, Prince Harry.
The Duke of Sussex has resided in the States with wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie, four, and Lilibet, two, since 2020.
Since then, several bombshell interviews with the press, a Netflix documentary and a shocking memoir have hinted at tensions between Harry and the rest of his family, predominantly over their alleged maltreatment of Meghan.
Despite their 'rift', however, reports claim that Harry, 39, is due to fly from California to London in the coming days to be with his father.
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The Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said Harry has now spoken with the King, who personally called him and his brother, Prince William, to update them on his health.
Harry will reportedly clear his diary and return to the UK, but Meghan, 42, will remain in the US with their kids.
As well as raising concern over the seriousness of the King's condition, Harry's visit has raised hopes among members of the public about a royal reconciliation.
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According to Harry, King Charles previously pleaded with his sons after Prince Philip's funeral in 2021: "Please, boys. Don’t make my final years a misery."
Harry also alleged that his father had refused to take his calls when he was initially deciding whether to step down as a working royal.
"My father and my brother, they are trapped. They don’t get to leave. And I have huge compassion for that," he told US talk-show host Oprah Winfrey.
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In the couple's Netflix documentary - as well as Harry's bombshell memoir Spare - Harry claimed Prince William had physically attacked him and that his dad hadn't hugged him when his mother, Princess Diana, died.
He was last seen alongside his family at the King's coronation in May last year, but it was a whirlwind visit after he flew home immediately after the ceremony.
Topics: Health, King Charles III, Prince Harry, Prince William, Royal Family, Parenting
Rhianna Benson