King Charles diagnosed with cancer: What happens next?

The King’s elder son, Prince William, is the first-in-line to the British throne

Less than 18 months into his reign, Britain’s monarch King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, according to a statement by Buckingham Palace.

The diagnosis comes a week after he left the hospital following a separate procedure for an enlarged prostate. However, Buckingham Palace clarified that it was not prostate cancer. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the BBC that he is in "regular contact" with the King and is thankful the illness was "caught early".

Prince William, the eldest son of Charles and the late Princess Diana, is the first in the line of succession. He is married to Kate, Princess of Wales. Their three children follow him in the line of succession.

The royal family usually does not share details about illnesses. However, according to the palace, Charles was eager to share his details “to assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer”.

Current situation

According to reports, the 75-year-old monarch personally informed both his sons, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, of his diagnosis, as well as his three siblings, the Princess Royal, Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of York.

Veteran royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner told NDTV that currently, the King can look at the red boxes comprising the official papers that government departments send to him.

"Basically, at the moment what would happen is the other members of the royal family like Queen Camilla will start taking in some of the events scheduled for the King. The King will also have his audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak which he has every Wednesday. Queen Camilla has already taken up some of the royal duties that the King normally faces," he told NDTV.

The palace stated that he “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”. It is also understood that he will continue to be available for state duties like Privy Council meetings.

Identification of cancer

Buckingham Palace on January 17 announced that the King had visited the hospital to undergo a “corrective procedure” for a benign enlarged prostate. He had been diagnosed after experiencing symptoms. He was discharged from the London Clinic on January 29, according to a report by CNN.

If the King is unable to carry out his duties temporarily

The “counsellors of state” can be called upon if the king is unable to perform his duties temporarily. According to the norms, it is Queen Camilla and the next four people in the line of succession, who are older than 21 (except the heir, who has to be 18). The counsellors of state can carry out duties such as attending Privy Council meetings, signing routine documents and receiving the credentials of new ambassadors to the United Kingdom. Two counsellors can be appointed to act on the monarch’s behalf.

If the King becomes completely unable to carry out his constitutional duties, his powers can be assumed by a regent. Under the Regency Act 1937, Prince William is the next in line. However, the evidence that the King is infirm must be presented before a panel of four. The panel must accept it by a majority vote.

The panel members need to declare their decision in writing and they also declare if or when the King is ready to resume his duties. In the meantime, Prince William would act in his name.