When was King Charles diagnosed with cancer? And when did he first go back to ... trends now

The world was left in a state of shock after Buckingham Palace announced King Charles' cancer diagnosis.

The Palace confirmed that the monarch would be undergoing treatment for the disease on February 5 - sparking an outpouring of well-wishes and sympathies from around the globe. 

Charles' wife Queen Camilla has been firmly at his side throughout the treatment, visiting him at hospital three times and one day and attending church with him on their Sandringham estate.

Here, MailOnline takes a look at the sequence of events that led to today's update on the King's health.

January 17, 2024: King Charles shares he has an 'enlarged prostate' 

 Buckingham Palace shared that King Charles would be receiving treatment for an 'enlarged prostate'.

'In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,' the statement from the palace read. 

At the time, they said His Majesty's condition was 'benign', adding that he would be going to hospital for a 'corrective procedure' the following week. 

They continued: 'The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.' 

It was believed the monarch wanted to was understood that the King wanted to share his experience in the hopes it would encourage others experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice.

January 26: King Charles undergoes surgery

A week later, the head of state was spotted heading into the private London Clinic with Queen Camilla by his side.

Kate Middleton also underwent treatment at the same hospital.

According to People, the King had arrived at the medical centre to see the Princess of Wales before his surgery.

Later on Friday January 26, Charles made his way to the London Clinic from Clarence House at 8.30am.

'The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment,' Buckingham Palace said. 

'His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.' 

January 27: Queen Camilla visits him in hospital

Following the confirmation from Buckingham Palace, Queen Camilla visited her husband three separate times in one day. 

Camilla's car was seen driving to the rear entrance of the private hospital in Marylebone at 6.34pm on the Saturday. 

She was then seen leaving the hospital in the back seat just before 8pm. 

The Queen insisted on being by her husband's side, having initially accompanied him for his procedure at around 9am after they were driven together from Clarence House in a low-key convoy without police outriders. 

At around 3pm yesterday, Camilla had given royal fans and reporters a positive update, telling them 'he's fine, thank you' as she walked out of the clinic.

January 29 - King Charles leaves hospital 

Three days following his surgery the monarch left hospital with his wife Queen Camilla by his side.

As they walked from the hospital to their car, the Queen acknowledged the building crowds by waving.

Buckingham Palace later confirmed the monarch had been discharged from hospital following a medical procedure.

They added that the King's upcoming public engagements would be rescheduled to allow the king 'a period of private recuperation'.

'He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days,' the statement read.

February 4: Charles seen for first time since leaving the hospital 

King Charles was spotted for the first time since he left the hospital on February 4.

Charles had returned home from London to his Sandringham home to begin his out-patient treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Alongside his wife, the monarch waved to members of the public outside St Mary Magdalene Church near Norfolk home.

Both King Charles and Queen Camilla seen heading to a Sunday service alongside Rev Canon Dr Paul Williams.

February 5: Buckingham Palace confirm cancer diagnosis

A day after Charles attended Sunday service, it was confirmed by Buckingham Palace that an unspecified form of cancer had been found during his treatment. 

Charles informed close family by phone, including estranged son Harry later flew back from his home in California to see his father.

The Buckingham Palace statement read: '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,' the palace said in a statement.

'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.'

They added: '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.'

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