Why King Charles won’t reveal what type of cancer he has

King Charles recently shared a reassuring update about his health following his cancer diagnosis, though he did not reveal the specific type of cancer he is being treated for.

The monarch spoke publicly about his condition during a Stand Up To Cancer broadcast on 12 December, marking one of the few times he has addressed his health directly since the diagnosis was announced in February 2024.

The news came shortly before his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, also revealed she was undergoing cancer treatment. As a result, the 77-year-old King temporarily stepped back from public duties while continuing his work from Buckingham Palace.

Since the diagnosis, King Charles has been receiving outpatient treatment and was able to resume public engagements in April after showing encouraging progress.

While his message focused on hope and early detection, he did not specify the cancer type. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson later explained this was intentional, allowing the King to support all cancer patients rather than highlight one condition.

The Palace clarified, however, that the King does not have prostate cancer, addressing speculation linked to an earlier procedure for an enlarged prostate.

In his speech, King Charles said his treatment schedule will be reduced in the new year thanks to early diagnosis and medical advances. Palace officials added that he hopes sharing his experience encourages cancer screening and offers support to everyone affected by the disease.