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King Charles III Diagnosed with Cancer

King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer. This news was confirmed in a statement from Buckingham Palace. The statement begins, “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate…

This handout photo provided by Buckingham Palace shows King Charles III during the state tour of France in September 2023 on February 5, 2024 in London, England. Buckingham Palace announced the King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer after treatment in hospital for an enlarged prostate last week.
Samir Hussein - Handout/Getty Images

King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer.

This news was confirmed in a statement from Buckingham Palace. The statement begins, "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 statement continues, "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."

Furthermore, it's noted, "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."

The statement concludes, "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."

An Update on Catherine, the Princess of Wales

King Charles III made headlines recently for his recent prostate procedure. Coincidently, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, was hospitalized at the same time for a planned abdominal surgery. Per a statement from Kensington Palace, Catherine was admitted to the hospital for surgery on Jan. 16. She returned home to recover on Jan. 29.

When Catherine was through with her surgery, Kensington Palace said, in part, "The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery."

Kensington Palace further noted, "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."

As of publishing, Kensington Palace has not issued a statement regarding The King's cancer diagnosis. The Independent reports that Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has spoken with his father about his diagnosis. He is reportedly scheduled to travel back to the U.K. for a visit.

Queen Elizabeth II recognized many individuals with honors of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. During her legendary reign as Queen, she knighted a number of popular musicians.

Here is a brief explainer on the various levels of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Per the U.K.'s official Honours System website, the following are the five title distinctions in order of importance the British Monarchy can bestow upon individuals for their non-combative contributions to the U.K.:

-Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): "Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others."

-Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): "Distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally."

-Commander of the British Empire (CBE): "A prominent national role of a lesser degree, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity."

-Damehood/Knighthood (DBE/KBE): "A pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity (usually, but not exclusively, at national level), or in a capacity which will be recognized by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally and demonstrates sustained commitment."

-Dame/Knight Grand Cross (GBE): "Grand Cross is the highest class in many of the Orders."

Typically, the head monarch will unveil these honors as part of every New Year. Additionally, their birthday also serves as a time to unveil new additions to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. People can be nominated via a special form.

With those definitions and information in mind, here are 13 iconic musicians knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Rod Stewart

GettyImages-613931890-1.jpgDavid Parker - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Barry Gibb

GettyImages-984353506.jpgSteve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Bob Geldof

GettyImages-452585784-1.jpgGraham Denholm/Getty Images

George Martin

GettyImages-71039067-1.jpgMichael Buckner/Getty Images

Paul McCartney

GettyImages-587145832-1.jpgMike Coppola/Getty Images

Elton John

GettyImages-1236475194-1.jpgDominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Ravi Shankar

GettyImages-2533707-1.jpgFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

Mick Jagger

GettyImages-459397586-1.jpgFiona Goodall/Getty Images

Tom Jones

GettyImages-57207416-1.jpgPool-Anwar Hussein Collection/Getty Images

Bono

GettyImages-73738685-1.jpgShowBizIreland/Getty Images

Van Morrison

GettyImages-508330922-1.jpgYui Mok - WPA Pool /Getty Images

Ray Davies

GettyImages-654024662.jpgJohn Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Ringo Starr

GettyImages-934976052.jpgJohn Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights