What should Buckingham Palace do following the King’s cancer diagnosis?

The news, when it came, was as stark as anyone could have imagined. As a Buckingham Palace statement observed: ‘During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted.’ And then the line that cannot fail to produce a gulp of empathy. ‘Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.’

There had been rumours of ill health ever since the King went into hospital last month, but there are always rumours concerning the health of the Royal Family, most of which are little more than tittle-tattle. The recent discussion as to what is wrong with the Princess of Wales has been particularly unedifying in this regard. 

Yet there is obviously something seriously wrong with the King, hence the gravity of this evening’s announcement. The statement went on to confirm that he will be beginning treatment and stepping back from all of his public duties, although there is no question of his abandoning the role altogether, even temporarily.