The news that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer shocked the public in Britain, and leaders from around the world poured in words of encouragement for the British monarch. Although information about the diagnosis is limited, the British royal family has made a few clarifications about what will happen next.

King Charles’ diagnosis grabbed the front pages of British newspapers on TuesdayPhoto: James Manning / PA Images / Profimedia

Here’s the gist so far, according to The Guardian:

  • Buckingham Palace announced on Monday evening that the king has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment that will prevent him from performing his official duties for the foreseeable future;
  • The Royal Household did not disclose the type of cancer that King Charles was diagnosed with, but Buckingham Palace said it was not prostate cancer. The British monarch was hospitalized last month for prostate surgery, and the surgery went well;
  • cancer was discovered during the hospitalization of the 75-year-old monarch at the London Clinic, a private hospital in the capital of Great Britain;
  • On Monday, Charles III returned to his Sandringham residence, where he began cancer treatment at home. Buckingham Palace said he was feeling “quite positive about his treatment”;
  • although he has been forced to postpone public appearances, he will remain in his constitutional role as British head of state, answer correspondence, including communications with the government, and continue to hold private meetings;
  • the king personally informed both of his sons, William, Prince of Wales, and Harry, Duke of Sussex, of his diagnosis. Charles also broke the news to his three siblings, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne;
  • although Prince Harry has been at odds with the royal family over numerous allegations made public in the media in recent years, he has announced that he will travel to the UK to see his father in the next few days;
  • Charles III was last seen in public in Sandringham on Sunday, where he attended church with Queen Camilla. It was also his only public appearance since his release from hospital on 29 January;
  • Buckingham Palace asked that the king’s right to privacy be respected, especially during treatment, but also said it wanted his diagnosis to be made public as he has spent years trying to raise awareness of the disease through his charities.