What Kind of Cancer Does King Charles Have?

King Charles III leaves The London Clinic after undergoing a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate on Jan. 29, 2024.

King Charles has cancer.

"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," Buckingham Palace announced on Feb. 5, 2024.

"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 royal family's statement continued. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."

PEOPLE reported that Prince William is remaining close to Charles and that Prince Harry is flying in from his home with Meghan Markle in Montecito, California, to be with his father as well. Kate Middleton, meanwhile, is recovering from a cancer diagnosis of her own.

Since the announcement of his vague diagnosis, information is still somewhat scant, but there have been King Charles health updates that you can follow below.

Find out all the details and updates on King Charles' health, King Charles' medical conditions and what kind of cancer King Charles has.

Related: King Charles Breaks Silence Amid New Royal Family Drama

What is King Charles diagnosed with?

King Charles was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate initially. While undergoing surgery for that, he was then diagnosed with cancer, though the type of cancer hasn't been reported.

"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," Buckingham Palace said in a statement. "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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How old is King Charles III?

Born on Nov. 14, 1948, King Charles is 75 years old as of this writing.

Related: Kate Middleton Health Updates

Does Charles have any medical conditions?

King Charles has an undisclosed type of cancer, for which he is undergoing treatment. He also underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate, which is how his cancer (which reportedly isn't prostate cancer) was detected.

On April 26, 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles would begin resuming some of his royal responsibilities.

"His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis," the Palace tweeted in part, adding that King Charles and Queen Camilla would visit a cancer center together in the following weeks, as well as hosting the Emperor and Empress of Japan in June. The statement continued, "As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year."

A palace spokesperson also told The Times of London that King Charles' treatment was ongoing.

"His Majesty’s treatment program will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery," the spokesperson noted, adding that they weren't sure when his treatment would finish: "It is too early to say, but His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about The King’s continued recovery."

Related: What Type of Cancer Does Kate Middleton Have?

What type of cancer does King Charles have?

The Palace hasn't yet disclosed with which type of cancer King Charles was diagnosed. That said, the royal family's announcement specified that doctors found his cancer while he was undergoing surgery for an enlarged prostate, so it's likely a type of cancer found in that region of his body.

Related: King Charles' Touching Tribute to Queen Elizabeth

What is King Charles' hands' condition?

King Charles' hands went viral for appearing puffy and red, and it's a condition he's publicly seen with often. The official term for what appears to be his condition is dactylitis, severe swelling of the fingers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dactylitis can affect individual fingers and toes or entire hands and feet, and it's often caused by arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Certain infections can also cause dactylitis.

It's not typically linked to cancers or prostate conditions, so it's likely that the King's dactylitis is unrelated to his current health battles.

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