King Charles latest: Monarch speaks with PM on phone after cancer diagnosis

Downing Street confirmed the pair's weekly audience was held via phone call.

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Clarence House, the day after it was announced King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, in London, Britain, February 6, 2024.REUTERS/Toby Melville
King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. (Reuters)

Rishi Sunak has had his weekly audience with King Charles over the phone, following the monarch's cancer diagnosis.

Downing Street took the unusual step of confirming details about the prime minister’s audience with the King following an agreement with Buckingham Palace to disclose the information.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We don’t in general and we are not going to get into the habit of commenting on the PM’s conversations with the King.

“But we have agreed with the Palace in this specific instance to confirm that they will be speaking on the phone later.”

The call came as the Prince of Wales stepped in for the King to perform an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle after temporarily stepping back from his royal role three weeks ago to juggle caring for his wife and their children following Kate’s operation.

William was tasked with handing out more than 50 honours, including to former England football player Ellen White.

The King, 75, who began treatment for the disease on Monday, has postponed all public-facing duties, but is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on his red boxes of state papers.

Yahoo News has ended its live coverage of King Charles. For the latest news, click here.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER28 updates
  • 'The British monarchy has never been more vulnerable to destruction'

    FILE PICS. 6th February, 2024. Buckingham Palace have announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. King Charles III and Queen Camilla arriving at Royal Ascot on Day Four in the Royal Procession. Credit: Maureen McLean/Alamy
    King Charles III and Queen Camilla arriving at Royal Ascot on Day Four in the Royal Procession. (Alamy)

    King Charles' cancer diagnosis marks a dangerous new era for the British monarchy, which is running out of key players.

    Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the British monarch, 75, had been diagnosed with cancer while undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.

    The palace didn't disclose which form of cancer the king has but noted he would step back from public duties while receiving treatment.

    The situation highlights how small the royal circle has become — making it vulnerable to collapse, according to royal experts who spoke to Business Insider.

    Read the full story from Business Insider.

  • OPINION: ‘Grey, gaunt and swollen’: How I keep working with cancer like the King

    "The King’s message of positivity about his forthcoming cancer treatment was a beacon of hope to many around the country. It was a much-appreciated optimistic stance of strength, signalling that people with cancer don’t always want to be treated like the walking wounded – the kind of Windsor grit so widely appreciated," writes Helia Ebrahimi for The Telegraph.

    His audiences with the Prime Minister will continue during treatment and he will still oversee the red boxes of state papers. The King has also expressed a desire to return to full public duty as soon as possible.

    Read the full story from The Telegraph.

  • NHS nurse who met King at Marie Curie event wishes him full recovery

    An NHS nurse who met King Charles at a Marie Curie hospice event said the openness the monarch has shown around his cancer diagnosis is “absolutely fantastic” as she wished him a “full recovery”.

    Michelle Beaver, 51, a cardiology nurse at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, met the King twice in 2019: first in Liverpool at the 60th anniversary of the Marie Curie Hospice, of which Charles is a patron; and again at a garden party held at Buckingham Palace which Ms Beaver was invited to attend.

    Read the full story from PA.

  • Ex-footballer Ellen White sends ‘best wishes’ to King at investiture ceremony

    Mrs Ellen Convery (Ellen White), from Glossop, is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle. The honour recognises services to association football. Picture date: Wednesday February 7, 2024.
    Ellen White is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle. (Alamy)

    Former England footballer Ellen White has sent her “best wishes” to the King, following his recent cancer diagnosis, when speaking with the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony.

    William, who is president of the Football Association, made the record-scoring Lioness an MBE for services to the sport at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

    White has met the prince a few times and said William put her at ease during their conversation at the ceremony.

    Read the full story from PA.

  • Charles and Camilla: the ultimate love story

    FILE - Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave The London Clinic in central London, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. King Charles III was in hospital to receive treatment for an enlarged prostate. King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace says on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali), File)
    King Charles III and Queen Camilla pictured as they left The London Clinic in central London at the end of January. (AP)

    Following the announcement of King Charles' shock cancer diagnosis this week, all eyes have turned to his wife, Queen Camilla.

    Just days after the pair marked World Cancer Day by sharing a post on X and the Queen opened a new cancer support centre at Royal Free Hospital, the two remain "wholly positive" in light of the unexpected news — as per the Buckingham Palace statement.

    Read the full story from the Evening Standard.

  • Prince William facing test of character, says royal expert

    Prince William is facing a “test of his character” as the nation watches their future king endure multiple stressors, a royal expert has said.

    The Prince of Wales is coming up against the joint pressures of his father’s shock cancer diagnosis, his wife’s recuperation from her medical procedure, and his relationship with his brother who has just arrived back in the UK.

    Read the full story from The Independent.

  • Sunak and Starmer send ‘get well’ message to King Charles after cancer diagnosis

    Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London. Picture date: Wednesday February 7, 2024.
    Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London. (PA).

    Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer sent well wishes to King Charles III following his cancer diagnosis.

    The party leaders sent get well messages to the monarch as they spoke at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, 7 February.

    Read the full story from The Independent.

  • Prince Harry leaves the UK after 24 hours

    Prince Harry has reportedly left the UK after just 24 hours in the country, during which time he visited King Charles.

    Harry is believed to have stayed in a London hotel during his visit, rather than stay at one of the royal residences, and did not meet with his brother William, the Prince of Wales.

    Harry returned to Heathrow Airport this afternoon, with his flight scheduled to depart at 3.05pm, according to the Daily Mail.

  • King Charles has cancer. Here’s what we know - and what we don’t

    King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has started treatment in London.

    The shock diagnosis comes a week after the 75-year-old British monarch left hospital following a separate procedure for an enlarged prostate.

    Read the full story from CNN.

  • Why Prince Harry's emotional dash to the UK will be brief

    The Duke of Sussex arrived in the UK from California less than 24 hours after Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles' cancer diagnosis.

    Prince Harry, 39, was pictured arriving at Clarence House in London where he met with his father for around 45 minutes before the King left by helicopter for Sandringham.

    It is not known how long Harry plans to stay in the UK, but his visit is likely to be brief.

    Read the full story from Hello!

  • What's the typical wait with a cancer diagnosis?

    Survival rates have improved in cancer patients, says the president of the Royal College of Radiologists, but waits for diagnostic tests are "increasingly long".

  • William fills royal void during King Charles cancer treatment

    FILE - Britain's Prince William, left, and Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, attend a ceremonial welcome for the President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea at Horse Guards Parade in London, England on Nov. 21, 2023. Charles' illness comes at a awkward time, as his daughter in law, the Princess of Wales, has also had her own health issues, having recently been hospitalized for two weeks following abdominal surgery following at the private London clinic. The former Kate Middleton won't be returning to public duties until after Easter and that will prompt other members of the royal family to pick up the slack.(Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP, File)
    Prince William, left, and Kate, Princess of Wales, pictured in November 2023. William will be taking on additional duties as his father is treated for cancer. (AP)

    With his father King Charles III undergoing cancer treatment and his wife recovering from surgery, Britain's Prince William found himself thrust back to the frontline of royal duties on Wednesday.

    The king's shock cancer diagnosis, announced on Monday, and Catherine's abdominal operation have left William, 41, shouldering a heavy royal burden.

    Charles's eldest son and heir to the throne, William postponed public engagements to care for his wife, the Princess of Wales, and their three children after she was admitted to hospital on January 16.

    Read the full story from AFP.

  • Downing Street confirms Sunak will be speaking to King Charles later

    Downing Street took the unusual step of confirming details about Rishi Sunak’s audience with the King following an agreement with Buckingham Palace to disclose the information.

    The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We don’t in general and we are not going to get into the habit of commenting on the PM’s conversations with the King.

    “But we have agreed with the palace in this specific instance to confirm that they will be speaking on the phone later.”

  • King Charles cancer diagnosis: The history of illnesses in the Royal Family

    In a shock announcement, King Charles shared he had been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.

    The Royal Family has not yet specified the form of cancer but he will start regular treatment and will postpone public duties. However, he will continue to work on state business and official paperwork.

    The discovery comes after he was hospitalised at the same time as Kate Middleton was recovering in the London Clinic after abdomen surgery.

    Here is a look back at the history of health issues in the Royal Family.

    Read the full story from The Independent.

  • Reason why King Charles and Harry’s meeting was so short revealed

    The reason why King Charles and Prince Harry’s first face-to-face meeting in nearly a year was so short has been revealed.

    The Duke of Sussex flew to the UK from California on Tuesday (6 February) to see his father following his cancer diagnosis.

    According to several sources, the meeting lasted between 30 and 45 minutes.

    Read the full story from The Independent.

  • Princess Anne takes supporting role following King Charles's diagnosis

    Princess Anne and other members of the royal family are stepping up to support the King.

  • King’s absence from Commonwealth visits could cause headache for monarchy

    The prospect of the King missing crucial forthcoming visits to Commonwealth realms could prove problematic amid increasing calls to break ties with the British monarchy.

    The King, 75, is unlikely to return to public duties for several months as he undergoes cancer treatment, leaving his travel plans up in the air.

    The King and Queen were expected to visit Canada in spring and then travel to Samoa in October for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm), before going on to Australia.

    Read the full story from The Telegraph.

  • Where is King Charles today?

    Britain's King Charles III waves as he travels with his wife Britain's Queen Camilla, from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace, in London on February 6, 2024. Britain's King Charles III was on Tuesday seen in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis was made public a day before. Charles was photographed leaving his residence near Buckingham Palace, with the Press Association news agency reporting he was
    Britain's King Charles III waves as he travels with his wife Britain's Queen Camilla. Charles was photographed leaving his residence near Buckingham Palace, and is said to be flying to Sandringham today. (Getty Images)

    King Charles was pictured in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis today. He has left his residence near Buckingham Palace and is travelling by plan to Sandringham today.

  • King Charles seen in public for first time since cancer diagnosis announced

    The King was seen arriving at Buckingham Palace - in what is the first time he has been seen by the public since his cancer diagnosis was announced.

  • Where is Prince Harry staying while visiting King Charles without Meghan Markle?

    London, UK. 01st Feb, 2019. Prince Harry Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle Duchess of Sussex's mouthpiece Omid Scobie will release his book Endgame in the UK on the 28th of November. The book is said to be a cruel attack on the Princess of Wales, branding her cold and claims Kate Middleton Princess of Wales never had interest in being friends with her sister-in-law and claims she hasn't spoken to Meghan since 2019. (Photo by DPPA/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News
    Prince Harry Duke of Sussex pictured with his wife Meghan Markle Duchess of Sussex. Harry is currently in the UK visiting his father, King Charles. (Alamy Live News)

    Prince Harry and Meghan have previously used Frogmore Cottage as their UK base, as it is where they lived for six months before stepping back as senior royals and moving their family to America.

    Read the full story from Hello!

  • Who are the Counsellors of State and what happens if King Charles cannot work?

    It is understood King Charles will continue some of his private duties while receiving treatment, including official state business and official papers carried in the monarch's famous red boxes, but he will have to take a step back from public life.

    After succeeding his mother Queen Elizabeth II, Charles vowed to slim down the size of the working royal family to a smaller core group, who will now have to fill in for the monarch. Here, Yahoo News explains how that might work.

    Read the full story from Yahoo News.

  • Who is next in line for the throne after King Charles?

    Following King Charles's cancer diagnosis, questions have been raised about the future of the working royal family, which Charles had previously vowed to slim down to a smaller group of core members.

    Here, Yahoo News has created an interactive table showing the line of the succession of the throne, with details on each of the family members.

    Read the full story from Yahoo News.

  • Where is Prince Harry staying?

    FILE - Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex looks on as Britain's King Charles III leaves Westminster Abbey after coronation in central London Saturday, May 6, 2023. Prince Harry has spoken to King Charles III about his cancer diagnosis and “will be traveling to the U.K. to see His Majesty in the coming days,” said the office of Harry and his wife, Meghan. (Ben Stansall/Pool photo via AP, File)
    Prince Harry, pictured as King Charles III leaves Westminster Abbey after the coronation. Prince Harryreunited with his father yesterday. (AP)

    Prince Harry flew into the UK yesterday for a reunion with his father, following the announcement that the monarch had been diagnosed with cancer.

    The meeting appeared to last for just 30 minutes, with Prince Harry arriving at Clarence House around 3.15pm, before King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen departing at 3.45pm.

    There has been no official confirmation from the palace as to where Harry is staying - however, it has been reported that he spent the night at a hotel in London and did not stay at any of the royal residences.

  • Harry's visit to king 'significant'

    Prince Harry's visit to King Charles following his cancer diagnosis has been described as 'significant', with many commentators predicting a reconciliation between the pair.

  • What is the king's diagnosis?

    Buckingham Palace confirmed the king, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, saying only that he has a “form of cancer”.

    He was diagnosed after a “separate issue of concern was noted” and investigated while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate.

    The Palace has called for the king’s privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities.

  • How the Royal Family has rallied around Charles after his cancer diagnosis

    FILE - Britain's King Charles III hosts a gathering of young UK community and faith leaders to discuss the challenges their communities face, at Buckingham Palace, in London, Dec. 13, 2023. King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace says on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP, File)
    King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday. (AP)

    The royal family has rallied around the King after it was revealed that he has been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer.

    Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday that the monarch is receiving regular treatments for the condition, which was discovered after the 75-year-old underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

    Officials have said that although Charles is stepping back from public-facing events, although he will continue to “undertake state business and official paperwork as usual”.

    Read the full story from The Independent.

  • Prince William ‘putting family welfare at forefront of his duties’

    Prince William is reportedly planning to also keep his wife and children’s welfare at the forefront of his duties as he helps his ill dad King Charles.

    The heir to the British throne, 41, was caring for his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, and their three children, Princes George, 10, and Louis, five, and daughter Princess Charlotte, eight, following his partner’s recent abdominal surgery when news broke Charles is suffering an undisclosed form of cancer.

    William will return to public duties on Tuesday after sources said he decided to “clear his diary” in order to support Catherine during and after her operation in January.

    Read the full story from Bang Showbiz.

  • Prince Harry 'spent 30 minutes' with king

    Prince Harry's reunion with King Charles reportedly lasted for just 30 minutes before the king left Clarence House and went to Sandribgham - where he will recover amid treatment for cancer.