TRANSCRIPT
The news that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer was revealed in a statement from Buckingham Palace.
During treatment for an enlarged prostate last month, the medical team identified a separate issue of concern.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australians are wishing their King a speedy recovery.
[["This is difficult news and we hope for King Charles, for His Majesty and for all of their family, all of the very best. We want to see His Majesty return to full duties as soon as possible. We, of course, look forward to the Commonwealth heads of government meeting that will be held in our region. And, of course, we have invited King Charles to visit Australia and we sincerely hope that that is able to occur."]]
King Charles has been advised to postpone all his upcoming public appearances during his cancer treatment, which has already begun.
The statement indicates he will continue undertaking state business and official paperwork as before, and will return to his regular public duties as soon as possible.
He has expressed his gratitude to his medical team for their swift diagnosis and remains optimistic regarding the treatment of his condition.
It also says the King wanted to publicise this news to prevent speculation and to assist public understanding for those who may be afflicted by cancer.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton says it is important for men to get regular medical check-ups.
[["There's a message that the Palace wants to get out as well and every Australian should hear that message and that is, particularly for men who are reluctant to go to the doctor, make sure you go and have a check-up because early detection is important. But we send every good wish to King Charles and to his family."]]
Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the type of cancer that the King has been afflicted with, although several Royal correspondents from the UK say the case is "not typical".
Sources close to the Royal Family say Prince Harry, who now lives in the United States, has spoken to the King and is expected to visit his father in the coming days after hearing news of his condition.
Current and former leaders from around the world have wished the Monarch well.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Keir Starmer, former US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon are among those who shared wishes of a speedy recovery via posts on social media.
When asked, US President Joe Biden said he plans to speak to the King as soon as possible.
"Yes, I'm about to call him. I'm concerned about him. Just heard his diagnosis. I'll be talking to him, God willing."
British people have also expressed their sadness regarding the news of the King's condition.
Hotel manager Andy Bloomer says he was shocked to hear it.
"He's the monarch of our country. He's someone who a lot of people take great comfort in, and I do, too. And I think he's a...I'm sure he'll fight it like anyone else would, but it's, yeah, it's it's a horrible shock."
King Charles, who is the leader of the 14 Commonwealth nations, including Australia, ascended to the British throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8th, 2022.
