Buckingham Palace announced Monday that King Charles III, 75, has been diagnosed with 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 said in a statement.

The palace did not specify the form of cancer or type of treatment.

“King Charles has cancer, Buckingham Palace has announced. He is undergoing treatment and has cancelled all public engagements. Shocking news. I wish His Majesty a full and speedy recovery,” Piers Morgan said.

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NBC News reports:

The news comes a week after both Kate and King Charles were discharged from a private London clinic after medical procedures. The king underwent a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate, while Kate, 42, had unspecified abdominal surgery on Jan. 17.

“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 added.

According to the statement, the king wanted to share his diagnosis in part to avoid speculation on his condition but also “in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

Charles ascended the throne last May in a coronation ceremony held months after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth reigned until her death at the age of 96 in September 2022. She was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch with 70 years on the throne.

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Per CBS News:

Charles was admitted a couple weeks ago for the prostate treatment to the same private London clinic where his daughter-in-law, Kate, the Princess of Wales, underwent an unspecified abdominal surgery. She was also back at home in Windsor and was said to be recovering well as of Jan. 29.

Kate’s husband William, the Prince of Wales, who is next in line to inherit the throne after his father the king, is expected to return to his royal duties this week after taking some time off to support his wife following her surgery, according to Kensington Palace, William and Kate’s official residence.

The king’s younger son, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, moved to the U.S. several years ago with his wife Meghan as they relinquished their roles as senior, working members of the royal family. Britain’s PA news agency, which is often first to report reliable information on the royals, cited a source close to Harry as saying Monday that the prince had spoken with his father about his diagnosis and would visit his homeland in the coming days to see him in person.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a social media post that he was “wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery,” and that he had no doubt Charles would “be back to full strength in no time.”

More coverage from CBS News:

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