Here is the moment the BBC told the nation that had been .
The news was broadcast this evening just minutes after Buckingham Palace confirmed that the monarch had been diagnosed with the disease during his for benign prostate enlargement.
The Palace has not specified which cancer King Charles has been diagnosed with but confirmed it was , while have been pouring in from leading figures including Sir Keir Starmer and Gary Lineker.
BBC newsreader Jane Hill, 54, reported on the diagnosis shorty after the Palace had issued the statement on BBC News at Six, with TV critic and broadcaster Scott Bryan noting on X that the show did not follow its usual format.
‘There was no headlines or intro. They went straight to the story [sic],’ he noted on the social media site.
After the opening credits had finished, Hill started the show with: ‘Hello, welcome to News where in the last few moments we’ve received breaking news from that the King has been diagnosed with cancer.’
Hill then proceeded to read out the statement from Buckingham Palace in full.
Buckingham Palace’s statement on the King’s health in full
‘During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted.
‘Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
‘His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
‘Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
‘The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
‘He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
‘His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.’
The King will now begin a schedule of treatments soon for his condition and step back from public duties for a period.
Among those sharing their well-wishes was TalkTV host and proud Royalist Morgan, who said: ‘Shocking news. I wish His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.’
Following the announcement, broadcaster and Match of the Day host Lineker wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that he was sorry to hear the news.
‘Really sorry to hear the news that King Charles has cancer. Awful news. Wish him a full and speedy recovery,’ the full message read.
Prince Harry will travel to the UK in the coming days to be with his father, and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly hopes ‘bridges can be rebuilt’.
‘Families need to come together at times like this – good that Prince Harry coming over to see his dad. Hopefully bridges can be rebuilt,’ she shared.
The One Show hosts Jermaine Jenas and Alex Jones sent their well wishes to the King at the start of the show.
‘We’d like to wish him all the best with his treatment,’ said Jermaine and Alex added: ‘Absoloutely.’
The shock news is the latest health scare to hit the royal family at the start of 2024, as the and
BBC News at Six airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 6pm.
