King Charles III is still alive, despite a viral story suggesting otherwise.
According to the New York Post, Buckingham Palace became engaged on Monday, March 18, when a Russian news outlet tweeted an “announcement” that Charles, 75, had died.
“We are happy to confirm that The King is continuing with official and private business,” the palace said in a statement to the Russian state-run TASS news agency on Monday.
The Russian media outlet’s original claim duplicated royal communications, including the monarch’s official seal. “The following announcement is issued by royal communications. The phony announcement said, “The King died unexpectedly yesterday afternoon.”
Speculation about Charles’ health has increased amid claims that the BBC is prepared to make major news about the royal family. While some fans assume the announcement will be regarding Princess Kate Middleton’s location following her abdominal surgery, other theories say the palace will provide an update on Charles’ cancer struggle.
On February 5, Buckingham Palace revealed that Charles had been diagnosed with “a form of cancer” after receiving therapy for an enlarged prostate. While no further details were provided concerning the king’s sickness, royal writer Omid Scobie later revealed that Charles does not have prostate 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,” the palace said in a statement last month. “Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
Days later, Charles addressed his diagnosis for the first time in a personal statement issued through Buckingham Palace.
“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” he remarked on the 10th of February. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”
Charles said it was “heartening to hear” from others who had similar experiences. “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience,” he said in his speech.
While Charles has kept his public obligations to a minimum, he has hosted a number of meetings at Buckingham Palace, and other members of the royal family have attended events in his honor outside the home.