Buckingham palace reported that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. The specific type of cancer is currently unknown.

The king has begun treatment as Charles is now 75, and “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”

He will still continue his duty as king during his treatment. There has been no other information released at this time. Charles informed both his sons personally about his diagnosis and the Prince of Wales was said to be in regular contact with his father.

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, who lives in the United States, spoke to his father and will be traveling to the UK to see him in the coming days. The King returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk on Monday morning and the palace says he has started treatment as an outpatient.

Although he will pause his public events, the King will continue with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings.

It is understood his weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will continue and will be in person, unless doctors advise that he limits such contact.

There is a constitutional mechanism for when the head of state is unable to carry out official duties – in that circumstance “counsellors of state” can be appointed to stand in for the monarch.