King diagnosed with cancer and has started treatment today, Buckingham Palace announced

The King has been diagnosed with cancer and has started treatment today, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The diagnosis comes following treatment for an enlarged prostate, although the palace said he does not have prostate cancer.

The palace has not confirmed what type of cancer the 75 year old has.

A palace spokesperson said: "His Majesty has been treated for benign prostate enlargement.

"It was during this intervention that the separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer.

"This second condition will now receive appropriate treatment."

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.

"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure."

The palace said His Majesty "remains wholly positive about his treatment" and "looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible".

The statement added that the King had 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 travelled from Sandringham to London this morning to begin treatment as an outpatient.