King Charles gives unexpected health update as Queen statue sparks flurry of debate

The monarch announced his cancer diagnosis in February.

King Charles has given a rare update on his health while meeting with New Zealand’s female rugby team at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

The monarch, 75, announced that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in February.

He expressed his regret that he would be unable to visit New Zealand too when he travels to Australia next month for a five-day tour.

Charles told the team: “I am extremely sorry I can’t come to New Zealand in later October because of doctor’s orders. But I hope there will be another excuse before too long.”

The monarch then encouraged the team to “make the most” of the opportunity, “as you don’t stay young for very long, as I discovered,” the Express reports.

This comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding a new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which critics have demanded be “melted down”.

Unveiled at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland on Friday (6 September), the bronze artwork has been slammed by many for allegedly failing to resemble the late monarch.

The statue has since been defended by the council, who said it shows the queen “in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service.”