What do we know so far about King Charles' cancer diagnosis? Your questions are being answered as the 75-year-old monarch steps back from royal duties to focus on his health

It was confirmed on Monday that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and is currently undergoing 'regular' outpatient treatment.

In an unusual announcement from the palace, which traditionally keeps a close eye on the health data of all members of the royal family, it was revealed that doctors first noticed something wrong when the monarch was in hospital due to an enlarged prostate.

Members of his family are rallying around Charles as Prince Harry reportedly travels to Britain this week.

It is the latest royal health crisis after the Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital for a planned abdominal operation, from which she could need up to three months to recover.

As the world rushes to wish Charles well, MailOnline has rounded up everything we know so far about the King's diagnosis – and what happens next.

What is King Charles' diagnosis?

Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, but Buckingham Palace has ensured the details of his case have been kept private.

The palace has not confirmed what type of cancer the king has or what stage it is at, but it is clear that it is not prostate cancer and was detected early.

No details have been released about the type of treatment the king will receive.

How was the king diagnosed with cancer?

Charles had been admitted to hospital on January 26 for surgery to treat a benign enlarged prostate.

He stayed at the London Clinic for three nights before being discharged and returning home.

But during the operation, doctors noticed 'a separate area of ​​concern', probably in another part of the king's body. It has since been confirmed to be cancer, and Charles was informed early last week.

Will King Charles still fulfill his royal duties?

The king is known as a workaholic who takes after his late mother and is very involved in the affairs of the monarchy.

But in a move that is sure to frustrate him, Buckingham Palace confirmed last night that his team of doctors has suggested he suspend all personal royal duties.

It is likely that Charles will continue to conduct 'red box' state business and meet with the Prime Minister, which could take place via telephone or video call.

However, it is likely that the public will see the monarch less in public in the near future, to protect it during treatment and prevent it from contracting other diseases.

Will Prince Harry return to Britain?

King Charles personally told his two sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, and his siblings about his cancer diagnosis before any official announcement was made.

Prince Harry will return to Britain and could arrive on British soil as early as lunchtime on Tuesday.

A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British Royal Family was spotted arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and it is claimed it had boarded the earliest flight and could be in London by lunchtime.

It is understood the Duke of Sussex cleared his schedule after speaking to his father on the phone and immediately prepared to travel to London. Currently, his wife Meghan Markle and the couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are staying at their home in Montecito.

The last time the Prince flew to Britain was in September for the Well Child Awards, where he stayed in a hotel.

Announcing that Prince Harry will visit his father, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's office said: 'The Duke has spoken to his father about his diagnosis. In the coming days he will travel to Britain to meet His Majesty.”

Will Prince Harry reconcile with Prince William?

It is unknown whether Prince Harry and his brother will meet while the Duke of Sussex is in Britain.

The couple's relationship deteriorated significantly after the release of Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary and Harry's memoir Spare.

Experts have urged the Duke of Sussex to put the past behind him and stand by his family in their time of need.

Prince William is heading into a particularly busy period as he takes on more duties for his father, while also caring for the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from her own health problems.

Who's in charge?

The nation will be relieved to know that King Charles will continue to remain in charge of the Royal Family and constitutionally represent the United Kingdom around the world.

Should the monarch become too ill to rule at any point, the State Advisors would take over on his behalf, but this is not expected at this stage.

As long as the monarch remains in post, many of the day-to-day public duties will instead be carried out by other members of the royal family.

Who are the state advisors?

Provision for State Advisors was made under the Regency Acts from 1937 to 1953 and those who could currently replace Charles include Queen Camilla and the four eldest adults in the line of succession over 21 years of age: the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice.

In 2022, the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his sister, the Princess Royal, as additional State Advisors so they could replace him if necessary, and the addition was quickly passed into law.

The legislation added Anne and Edward to the list, but did not remove Andrew and Harry. However, the House of Lords heard that only 'working members' of the royal family would be called upon to act as state advisers.

Which members of the royal family will take on Charles' duties?

It is likely that other members of the royal family will take on a greater number of visits and public duties while King Charles receives regular outpatient treatment.

Heir to the throne Prince William is likely to return to public duties after previously temporarily stepping back to care for his wife, who is recovering from abdominal surgery.

Other working royals, including Princess Anne, Prince Edward and the younger working royals, are also expected to make appearances in the king's absence.

What happens now?

There is little precedent to show what will happen now that King Charles has taken the extraordinary step of publicly announcing his cancer diagnosis.

His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was extremely private when it came to her health and would undoubtedly not have shared such news with the country.

As always, the palace has stressed that it will not provide any ongoing commentary on the king's health, meaning it is unlikely that many more official announcements will be made.

The king is expected to continue his royal duties until further notice, with experts saying he could stay out of the spotlight until at least March.