King Charles diagnosed with cancer, says Buckingham Palace

King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.

The announcement was made by Buckingham Palace on Monday evening.

The cancer was discovered while the King, aged 75, was being treated for another medical issue in hospital.

The Palace said the King began "regular treatments" on Monday.

• You can watch Newsround's special film about the life of King Charles III here

The King and his wife Queen Camilla were seen in good spirits attending church on Sunday

For now, the King will put his engagements with the public on pause, but will carry on with his role as head of state.

The statement released by Buckingham Palace said the King "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible".

No other details have been shared on the type of cancer the King has been diagnosed with.

• You can find out more about cancer and how it is treated in this Operation Ouch film

The King is believed to have told both his sons - Prince William and Prince Harry - directly about his cancer before the announcement was made public.

Prince William, the King's eldest son, will be taking over some of his father's duties while he receives treatment.

Prince William was expected to return to public duties this week following his wife's surgery three weeks ago.

Prince William also has the title of the Prince of Wales, and is next in line to the throne

But while Princess Catherine is recovering, she is unable to take on other public engagements, meaning more duties will fall to Prince William over the next few months.

It does appear that the King will continue some of his engagements, however, including a weekly meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Prince Harry, the King's younger son, will be flying from his home in the US to the UK this week.

The news of the King's diagnosis has attracted a lot of attention from the media

What has the reaction to the news been?

The news of the King's diagnosis has made headlines in the UK and is being reported across the world.

In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said he was thankful the illness was "caught early". But he said the King intends to "crack on like normal".

"I'm in regular contact with him, as I always am, and that will absolutely continue," Mr Sunak told Radio 5 live.

"So we'll just be willing him on and hopefully we get through this as quickly as possible."

And US president Joe Biden also posted his support for the King in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, that read: "Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage.

"Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery."

The First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also shared their best wishes, with First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty The King. I wish him the very best for a speedy recovery and return to public life."

The Royal Society of Medicine also thanked the King for being open about his diagnosis, saying it will encourage others to take their health more seriously.

Find out more about cancer

In a special programme, Operation Ouch's Dr Chris and Dr Xand explain what cancer is, how some people come to have it, how it is treated and what happens at the end of treatment.

You can watch it on the BBC iPlayer here.

• If you feel worried or upset by anything you have seen or read here, it's always a good idea to talk to an adult about your feelings.