King Charles diagnosed with form of cancer - Live updates

The leader of Southampton City Council has wished the King well after learning of his diagnosis.

Councillor Lorna Fielker said: "A cancer diagnosis always comes as a shock.

"It's good to hear that the King remains positive about his treatment and we look forward to him returning to front line duties."

Details of the King's treatment have not been revealed.

It could include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted cancer drugs.

Although the Palace confirmed the King is not suffering from prostate cancer, it declined to confirm what type of cancer it is.

The King will carry on working behind the scenes on state business and official papers.

He returned to London from Sandringham on Monday to start treatment as an outpatient.

Here is a copy of the statement released by the Palace.

The statement dated 05/02/24 issued by Royal Communications at Buckingham Palace announcing that King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer (Image: Buckingham Palace/PA Wire)

MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith, said: "I hope His Majesty’s condition has been caught early and he responds to treatment. The Royal Family have been through so much recently and my thoughts and prayers are with them all."

Mr Smith's words come after Kate, the Princess of Wales, was also admitted to hospital last month for planned abdominal surgery. She was discharged after nearly two weeks.

And Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was also diagnosed with skin cancer just six months after treatment for breast cancer.

Here's a timeline of King Charles' first year as monarch.

Read more about his cancer diagnosis here. 

The briefing note added: “His Majesty is grateful to his medical team for their expert care and swift intervention, is wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”

The King's diagnosis is not related to his recent prostate treatment.

In a briefing, the Palace said: “His Majesty has been treated for benign prostate enlargement. It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. This second condition will now receive appropriate treatment.

“No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”

The Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Valerie Laurent, said news of the King's cancer diagnosis is "very concerning".

She said: "I was saddened to hear the announcement from the palace.

"It is, of course, very concerning for people across the UK.

"He has the duty of leading the country and so I very much hope that he is able to get the treatment that he needs.

"I wish him well on behalf of the city of Southampton." 

The Prime Minister has wished the King a “full and speedy recovery” and said he will no doubt “be back to full strength in no time”.

Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.

I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. https://t.co/W4qe806gmv

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 5, 2024

It comes after the King spent three nights in hospital last month for treatment for an enlarged prostate.

He was discharged on January 29. 

King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace has said.

He has already begun treatment and remains "wholly positive", a statement says.