King and Queen leave for Sandringham after short meeting with Prince Harry
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King Charles and Queen Camilla have left Clarence House after a brief reunion with the Duke of Sussex.
The monarch left the royal residence around 45 minutes after his younger son had arrived there, following an overnight flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow.
Father and son are thought to have enjoyed a short private meeting before the monarch made his way to Sandringham, Norfolk.
The King left Clarence House at around half past three, sweeping out of the gates in his burgundy Bentley State Limousine with the Queen, accompanied by a police escort.
“He’ll wave if you give him a wave,” one of the police officers lining the exit told well-wishers who had gathered to watch. Charles complied, smiling and waving in his first public sighting since his cancer diagnosis.
His son departed Clarence House for Buckingham Palace a few minutes earlier in a black 4x4.
08:05 PM GMT
That’s it for our live coverage today, thank you for following along. Here are the top headlines:
Rishi Sunak says he is thankful that the King’s cancer was caught early
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were seen leaving Clarence House today
King on ‘usual good form’ after undergoing his first treatment
Prince Harry visits Clarence House and Buckingham Palace
Royal Helicopter leaves Buckingham Palace and arrives at Sandringham
07:47 PM GMT
Analysis: King Charles has set an example. It’s time for Britain to talk about cancer
The King has done a great service in being so open about his diagnosis, writes Karol Sikora, a leading cancer specialist.
Men of our age can be far too stoic for our own good, particularly when issues of our health are concerned.
Conversations will have been ignited and symptoms raised. This will undoubtedly save lives.
The full medical details around the King’s condition will remain, rightly, private for as long as he chooses.
We don’t know where the cancer is located or what the prognosis is, and rife speculation on those questions is unhelpful.
We have been told it is not arising in the prostate gland. This makes the bladder the most likely source, but we may be told more in due course.
Read the full article here
07:34 PM GMT
Princess Anne continues with royal duties following the King’s diagnosis
The Princess Royal has carried out an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle a day after news of the King’s cancer diagnosis.
Anne handed out orders and medals at 11am on Tuesday, before turning her attention to three further royal engagements.
She is expected to undertake some duties on her brother’s behalf in his absence, along with the Prince of Wales.
07:18 PM GMT
The King’s diagnosis: What kind of cancer does he have?
The King has not revealed the type of cancer with which he has been diagnosed, but it was discovered after he received treatment for a benign prostate enlargement.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that it was during this corrective surgery that “a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer”.
The risk of developing cancer increases with age and more people receive a diagnosis during their 70s than in any other decade.
Prostate cancer is the most common kind in men aged 75 and over, accounting for 25 per cent of cases a year, but the Palace confirmed that the monarch, who turned 75 last November, did not have the condition.
Read the full story here
06:58 PM GMT
Zelensky wishes King Charles a ‘speedy recovery’
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has posted a message of support for King Charles on Twitter, wishing the King a “speedy recovery”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Your Majesty, the Royal Family, and the British people,” he wrote.
On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I wish to convey words of support and wishes for a speedy recovery to His Royal Majesty King Charles III. We remember Your Majesty's attention and genuine compassion for Ukraine and Ukrainians, and we highly value it. Our thoughts and prayers…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 6, 2024
06:50 PM GMT
Pictured: Royal Helicopter arrives at Sandringham
06:42 PM GMT
Duke of Sussex has no plans to meet brother
The Duke of Sussex is not believed to have made any plans to see his brother, the Prince of Wales, with whom he has not spoken for months.
In a television interview to promote his controversial memoir Spare at the start of January last year, Harry revealed that he was “not texting” his brother.
According to Spare, after their grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, King Charles said, “Please, boys - don’t make my final years a misery”.
06:11 PM GMT
Why Princess Anne will be the King’s bedrock of support
Over the years, she has tumbled down the line of succession to a lowly 17th place in the Windsor pecking order.
On paper, the Princess Royal may not be the most prominent royal, lagging well behind her nephew Prince Harry and her brother the Duke of York – even though they are no longer “working” royals.
But when it comes to putting in the hours on behalf of the family Firm, few could dispute Princess Anne’s status as one of the King’s most stalwart supporters.
As the 75-year-old monarch on Monday began what Buckingham Palace has described as a “schedule of regular treatments” following his cancer diagnosis, his 73-year-old sister was the first to ride to the royal rescue.
Read the full story here
05:47 PM GMT
Helicopter lands at Sandringham
A helicopter has been seen landing at Sandringham in Norfolk around half an hour after a helicopter believed to be carrying the King took off from Buckingham Palace.
05:19 PM GMT
Telegraph Health experts will be answering readers' questions tomorrow evening
05:12 PM GMT
King not first member of Royal family to be diagnosed with cancer
King Charles is not the first member of the Royal family to have been diagnosed with cancer. Earlier this year, Sarah, Duchess of York, spoke of her “shock” after being diagnosed with skin cancer just six months after undergoing breast cancer surgery.
The King’s grandfather George VI died of lung cancer on February 6 1952, although his diagnosis was withheld from the public, medical professionals and even the King himself.
The late Queen mother, similarly, dealt with cancer in private. In his posthumous biography of the late Queen’s mother in 2009, William Shawcross revealed that she had been treated for the disease twice.
The former King Edward VIII, who later became the Duke of Windsor, died of throat cancer on May 28, 1972. Aged 68, Queen Elizabeth visited him 10 days before his death at his home in Paris which was also known as Villa Windsor.
Princess Michael of Kent revealed that she had been treated for skin cancer in 2002 when she said she felt “very fortunate” because the cancer wasn’t life-threatening.
04:17 PM GMT
Prince Harry leaves Clarence House and arrives at Buckingham Palace
03:56 PM GMT
Helicopter takes off from Buckingham Palace
A helicopter believed to be carrying the King and Queen has taken off from Buckingham Palace.
03:52 PM GMT
King waves as he leaves Clarence House
The King waved as he was driven out of Clarence House alongside the Queen – the first time he has been seen since his cancer diagnosis was announced.
He appeared in good spirits as he headed for Buckingham Palace, where his helicopter was waiting to take him back to Sandringham.
03:21 PM GMT
Prince Harry arrives at Clarence House
The Duke of Sussex has arrived at Clarence House ahead of an anticipated reunion with the King.
He was photographed being driven into the gates of the King’s London residence at around 2.45pm.
Father and son are expected to catch up behind closed doors this afternoon before the King returns to Sandringham by helicopter.
The Duke flew from Los Angeles to London’s Heathrow overnight, landing at around 12.30pm. He was whisked out of the airport in a Range Rover, accompanied by a marked police escort, and driven straight to Clarence House, where his father has been recovering from his first bout of cancer treatment on Monday.
The pair have not seen each other since the Coronation, when they are not thought to have spent any notable time together. The Duke is understood to have booked a flight as soon as his father called him to tell him of his cancer diagnosis.
It is not yet known whether the Duke will accompany his father to Norfolk or remain in London. He is not believed to have made any plans to see his brother, the Prince of Wales, with whom he has not spoken for months.
02:48 PM GMT
Pictured: Helicopter lands at Buckingham Palace
02:41 PM GMT
King most concerned for ‘heroine’ Camilla
The King will be most concerned for the Queen in the wake of his cancer diagnosis, his closest friends have said.
Dame Julia Cleverdon, who worked closely with the monarch while running Business in the Community, said: “The real heroine it seems to me in all of this is Queen Camilla, who he will be most concerned, I suspect, about the effect on her and the conversations and the load that she will take as he goes through his treatment.”
Read the full story here.
02:35 PM GMT
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02:34 PM GMT
From ‘sausage fingers’ to cancer: King Charles’s health history
Until his cancer diagnosis, King Charles had reached the age of 75 without succumbing to any serious illness.
His active lifestyle has, no doubt, helped protect him from ill health over the years.
But it has also landed him in trouble at times, and if he has been fortunate to mostly swerve life-threatening maladies until now, he has not been quite so adept at avoiding injury.
Read the full story about the King’s health history.
02:29 PM GMT
Russian Embassy sends wishes to King
The Russian Embassy to the UK has wished the King a swift recovery following his cancer diagnosis.
In a post on Twitter, it said: “The Russian Embassy wishes His Majesty King Charles III strength and perseverance as he begins his treatment, and speedy and full recovery.”
02:22 PM GMT
Prince Harry lands in London Heathrow
Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
Arrived in UK to Visit King Charles.pic.twitter.com/NJ1jEEUFMl— My Opinion - Sussex Warrior 🐊 (@my_opnion) February 6, 2024
02:19 PM GMT
Flowers delivered to Clarence House
Flowers have been delivered to the back entrance of Clarence House, the King’s favoured residence in London.
Two separate deliveries of boxes of flowers were brought to the back entrance on Tuesday afternoon.
02:01 PM GMT
Pictured: Prince Harry arrives in London
01:25 PM GMT
King on ‘usual good form’ after undergoing his first treatment
The King is on his “usual good form” after undergoing his first treatment for cancer but remains a “little frustrated” at the impact his diagnosis has had on others, the Telegraph understands.
The 75-year-old monarch returned to Clarence House after beginning his schedule of medical treatment, and will continue his State duties from home, supported by the Queen and their trusted aides.
A palace source said: “He’s on his usual good form in every way, just a little frustrated that his condition has affected not just his own plans but impacted on others.”
He has been in regular contact with his family including the Prince of Wales, with the Duke of Sussex flying back to Britain today to see him.
The King’s cancer diagnosis was announced by Buckingham Palace on Monday.
01:23 PM GMT
Analysis: How the King’s diagnosis could bring Royal family closer together
01:10 PM GMT
Princess Royal undertaking royal engagements today
The Princess Royal will be undertaking four royal engagements today following her brother the King’s cancer diagnosis, writes Camilla Tominey, The Telegraph’s associate editor.
The Princess, 73, has just carried out an investiture at Windsor Castle, when she handed out gongs to recipients including media doyenne Elisabeth Murdoch; Ivor Bolton, a conductor; Nicky Spence, a Scottish tenor; and James Simpson, the wheelchair rugby league player.
She is currently travelling to Nottinghamshire where she will visit Nottingham West Primary Care Network at Eastwood Primary Care Centre in her capacity as patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, as well as popping in on woolmaker GH Hurt and Son.
She will then make the 128 mile trip back to London to present The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering at the Science Museum this evening.
Renowned for being one of the hardest working royals, the grandmother of five, who is 17th in the line of succession, carried out 457 royal engagements in 2023.
01:08 PM GMT
India sends wishes of recovery to King
Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, has wished “speedy recovery and good health” to the King.
“I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III,” Mr Modi wrote on Twitter.
Others have joined Mr Modi in wishing the King a quick recovery.
Anand Mahindra, the Indian billionaire, said that the King’s qualities of courage, patience and fortitude will ensure that he will swiftly overcome the current challenge.
“To His Majesty King Charles III On behalf of all the members of the India Council of your Sustainable Markets Initiative, I extend to you our heartfelt wishes for a speedy and complete recovery,” Mr Mahindra wrote on Twitter.
“You have demonstrated great courage, patience and fortitude throughout your life. Those qualities will ensure that you swiftly overcome this current challenge,” he wrote.
The Indian High Commission in the UK also tweeted that they join the prime minister and “the people of India in wishing a speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III.”
12:43 PM GMT
Downing Street will not get into a ‘running commentary’ on meetings with King
Downing Street said it would not get into a “running commentary” on meetings between Rishi Sunak and the King when asked if the Prime Minister still expects to have weekly audiences.
Asked what information the Prime Minister’s comment that the cancer was “caught early” was based on, No 10 suggested he was referring to the fact that Buckingham Palace had noted the swift intervention of his medical team.
Mr Sunak’s official spokesman added: “The PM’s obviously said that contact will continue but we don’t get into a running commentary on those meetings.”
12:38 PM GMT
Sunak told Cabinet he wishes King speedy recovery
Rishi Sunak opened Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting by paying tribute to the King and wishing him a speedy recovery.
His official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister opened Cabinet by paying tribute to the King and said all of our thoughts would be with His Majesty and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
12:36 PM GMT
Hunt sends best wishes to King
MPs have continued to pay tribute to the King in the Commons, a day after it was announced he has cancer.
In his first answer at Treasury Questions, Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, said: “Mr Speaker, could I start by adding my comments to yours yesterday about His Majesty the King and wish him and his family well, as well as saluting his courage in being so open about his condition.”
12:34 PM GMT
Duke of Sussex’s return could help heal Royal rift
The Duke of Sussex’s return to the UK could help heal the rift within the Royal family, commentators have said.
The Duke, 39, is expected to arrive in London later today after being pictured at a terminal in Los Angeles Airport on Monday evening. His return comes after the King contacted him personally, along with the Prince of Wales, to tell him of his cancer diagnosis.
Royal watchers say his presence could help ease familial tensions. Hugo Vickers, a royal author, said the move could work as a “tonic”. Ingrid Seward, a royal biographer, said it “often takes illness, or death, to solder these very tricky family relationships”, following the King’s health scare.
Grant Harrold, a former butler to the King, echoed this and said there was “no doubt” the diagnosis would bring the family closer together again.
12:17 PM GMT
Northern Ireland Assembly tributes to King
Tributes have been paid by members of the Northern Ireland Assembly to the King after he shared his cancer diagnosis.
Edwin Poots, the Stormont Speaker, confirmed he had written to the King to extend the best wishes of the administration following the announcement of the King’s diagnosis.
Mr Poots, who has survived cancer, told Members of the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday he sent the Assembly’s “best wishes to His Majesty for a speedy recovery”.
12:04 PM GMT
Duke of Sussex may struggle to repair strained relationship with brother
The Duke of Sussex may find it more difficult to reconcile his relationship with the Prince of Wales than with his father, an expert has said.
Jennie Bond, a royal expert, said the Duke’s return to the UK was “a son’s reaction to some shocking news” and that it may also be an opportunity to heal wounds with his brother.
Speaking to GB News, Ms Bond said: “Could this lead to a reconciliation? Not only with his dad, I think that’s pretty much on the cards, but possibly with William. Wiliam does need his brother right now.
“That’s going to be a tricker relationship to patch up. We can but hope.”
11:38 AM GMT
Archbishop of Canterbury praying for King
The Archbishop of Canterbury said he is praying for the King and wishes the 75-year-old a “swift and full recovery”.
I’m praying for the King and his family - for God’s comfort and strength in the weeks and months to come. I wish His Majesty a swift and full recovery.
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) February 6, 2024
11:36 AM GMT
Queen ‘very knowledgeable’ about cancer
The Queen is “very knowledgeable” about cancer and will be “supporting” the King throughout his treatment, according to an expert.
Dame Laura Lee, the chief executive of Maggie’s, a cancer charity, said: “I think she [the Queen] understands that cancer is a very specific experience for each individual, but that it’s also the family that is going through it.
“So she will be thinking about how best to support the King, but she will also be thinking about the rest of the family – Prince William – and also about supporting the King in his wishes to keep fully active and working through treatment.”
10:50 AM GMT
‘Illness solders tricky family relationships’
In an interview with LBC, Ingrid Seward, a royal commentator, said it “often takes an illness, or a death, to solder these very tricky family relationships”, as the Duke of Sussex returns to the UK following the King’s cancer diagnosis.
She added: “But of course the death of the Queen didn’t solder it together, but perhaps the worry of their father will but I really find it very difficult to speculate.”
10:39 AM GMT
How British newspapers reacted to the King’s cancer diagnosis
Following the King’s announcement yesterday that he has cancer, many national newspapers chose to lead with the news.
Here are the front pages of The Daily Telegraph, The Sun, The Times, The Daily Mirror and The Scotsman.
10:23 AM GMT
Princess Beatrice and husband leave Clarence House
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were seen leaving Clarence House today after the King announced his cancer diagnosis yesterday.
The couple were seen leaving one of the King’s royal residences earlier this morning.
10:18 AM GMT
King’s announcement comes after Duchess of York revealed skin cancer diagnosis
The King’s diagnosis comes after Sarah, Duchess of York, disclosed that she had been suffering with a malignant melanoma, six months after she underwent a single mastectomy for breast cancer.
The Duchess, 64, was pictured smiling as she left hospital on Jan 21. She learnt of her second diagnosis shortly after Christmas and told wellwishers: “I’m fine, thank you.”
10:08 AM GMT
Duke of Sussex visit could be ‘tonic’ to Royal rift
Hugo Vickers, a royal biographer, said the Duke of Sussex’s visit to the UK to see his father could be a “tonic” to the King as he undergoes treatment for cancer.
Vickers told Sky News the rift in the Royal family is “obviously an issue which has hung heavily over him”.
09:50 AM GMT
King Charles leaving The London Clinic following treatment for enlarged prostate
King Charles was discharged from hospital around a week ago after successful treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The King was photographed on Jan 29 walking to his car as he departed The London Clinic.
His cancer was diagnosed during his three night stay for the planned corrective procedure.
09:31 AM GMT
Royals showing ‘upbeat approach’ to diagnosis
Robert Hardman, a royal biographer, said we are seeing an “upbeat approach” from the Royals following the King’s cancer diagnosis.
He said: “I think it’s a case of business as usual as much as it can be business as usual.”
Hardman said the King would likely focus on his central constitutional duties following the diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the Monarch will continue to undertake state duties, including Privy Council meetings and the completion of government paperwork in his red boxes.
09:21 AM GMT
World leaders send best wishes to King Charles
09:15 AM GMT
King’s public battle a far cry from George VI’s secret illness
In announcing the King’s diagnosis and treatment, without going into specifics, Buckingham Palace showed yet another way in which the royals have modernised.
This frankness represents a stark departure from how the Royal family has handled previous cancer diagnoses. Earlier generations would never have dreamed of being so open about any medical condition, let alone something as foreboding as a tumour.
In September 1951, George VI, a heavy smoker, had his left lung removed for what was euphemistically referred to as “structural abnormalities”. In reality, it was a carcinoma. Yet the king’s doctors withheld his diagnosis from the public, the medical profession – and even the king himself.
Read the full story here.
08:25 AM GMT
Analysis: King’s confident start to reign forced off course by cancer diagnosis
When he acceded the throne 17 months ago, the King pledged to dedicate his life to the service of his people, writes Hannah Furness, The Telegraph’s royal editor.
At his Coronation less than a year ago, the man once known as the longest-serving heir to the throne felt the weight of the St Edward’s Crown on his head as a new era began.
After 52 years as a campaigning Prince of Wales, and 64 as Queen Elizabeth II’s heir, the King would finally come to realise the reign he could have long imagined.
As King, there would be less campaigning and more convening – but nevertheless, he had plans to help.
Now he is left to contemplate not what he can do but what he can manage.
Read the full article here.
08:20 AM GMT
The King needs William – and now the Prince of Wales needs Harry
It is the news no one wants to hear about one of their loved ones, writes Camilla Tominey, The Telegraph’s associate editor .
When the dreaded c-word rears its ugly head in any family – it naturally prompts fears for the future.
But when that family is also a “firm”, it not only raises concerns for the King as an individual, but also the institution to which His Majesty belongs.
In being so honest with the public about the King’s cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace is breaking with royal protocol.
Read the full story here.
08:18 AM GMT
What we know so far
What form of cancer does the King have?
Buckingham Palace has declined to provide specific details about his diagnosis but has confirmed that it is not prostate cancer.
How was the King diagnosed?
As he underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate at the private London Clinic, medics noticed “a separate issue of concern”. Following tests, cancer was diagnosed.
Royal aides noted that it was thanks to the prostate treatment that the cancer was discovered.
What stage cancer is it and what is the prognosis?
Buckingham Palace has declined to provide further details at this stage. However, aides insisted that he was looking forward to returning to “full public duty” as soon as possible.
Will the King undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
The palace has not disclosed what kind of treatment the King will have, although he may be advised to minimise infection risk.
Read the full story here.
08:16 AM GMT
Recap: King diagnosed with cancer
The King has cancer and will be postponing his public duties while he receives treatment, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday.
The diagnosis came after a hospital procedure for a benign prostate enlargement revealed a second, more serious medical problem.
The King has begun regular treatment at a London hospital, but has not revealed what type of cancer he has, other than confirming it is not prostate cancer. He is taking time away from public engagements to minimise the risk to his health.
08:13 AM GMT
Sunak thankful King's cancer caught early
The Prime Minister said his contact with the King will continue “and we’ll crack on with everything”.
Rishi Sunak told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He’ll just be in our thoughts and our prayers, many families around the country listening to this will have been touched by the same thing and they know what it means to everyone.
“So we’ll just be willing him on and hopefully we get through this as quickly as possible.”
Sunak added: “And you know, thankfully, this has been caught early.”
08:07 AM GMT
Good morning and welcome
Good morning,
Welcome to our live coverage of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis. Prince Harry is returning to the UK to see his father and is expected to arrive later today.
Follow for latest updates.