Feb. 6 (UPI) — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told BBC News on Tuesday that King Charles’ cancer was “caught early” and the monarch is expected to recover.
Sunak said he has been in regular contact with the monarch and told his cabinet members in a meeting on Tuesday that he wished the king well, adding that he was “shocked and saddened” by the diagnosis.
“All of our thoughts would be with His Majesty and we wish him a speedy recovery,” Sunak said.
Charles, 75, started treatment Monday for an undisclosed cancer that was discovered while doctors performed a procedure for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace did confirm that it was not prostate cancer.
He took the British throne 17 months ago after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Harry, who had been estranged from his father, was traveling to London from his home in California to visit the king. Meghan Markle and their two children did not make the trip.
Prince William, who is next in line to the throne, will step up his official royal duties in his father’s absence. His wife, Kate Middleton, is recovering from abdominal surgery.
King Charles is expected to meet with Sunak on their regularly scheduled weekly meetings but he has pulled back from public obligations. He was last seen attending church with Queen Camilla at the Sandringham House royal residence in Norfolk, England.
U.S. President Joe Biden posted well wishes to Charles on Monday.
“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,” Biden said.
